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Ferber SG, Weller A. Diverse Underlying Mechanisms and Sex Differences Found in Translational Models of Cannabinoids Use: Towards Validation in Human Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16586. [PMID: 38068909 PMCID: PMC10706558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue represents a continuation of our previous Special Issue entitled "Endocannabinoids, Cannabinoids and Psychiatry: Biological Mechanisms" [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sari Goldstein Ferber
- Psychology Department and the Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel;
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Aron Weller
- Psychology Department and the Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel;
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Geisler CE, Hayes MR. Metabolic Hormone Action in the VTA: Reward-Directed Behavior and Mechanistic Insights. Physiol Behav 2023; 268:114236. [PMID: 37178855 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctional signaling in midbrain reward circuits perpetuates diseases characterized by compulsive overconsumption of rewarding substances such as substance abuse, binge eating disorder, and obesity. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic activity serves as an index for how rewarding stimuli are perceived and triggers behaviors necessary to obtain future rewards. The evolutionary linking of reward with seeking and consuming palatable foods ensured an organism's survival, and hormone systems that regulate appetite concomitantly developed to regulate motivated behaviors. Today, these same mechanisms serve to regulate reward-directed behavior around food, drugs, alcohol, and social interactions. Understanding how hormonal regulation of VTA dopaminergic output alters motivated behaviors is essential to leveraging therapeutics that target these hormone systems to treat addiction and disordered eating. This review will outline our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying VTA action of the metabolic hormones ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, amylin, leptin, and insulin to regulate behavior around food and drugs of abuse, highlighting commonalities and differences in how these five hormones ultimately modulate VTA dopamine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Geisler
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Impaired Ghrelin Signaling Does Not Lead to Alterations of Anxiety-like Behaviors in Adult Mice Chronically Exposed to THC during Adolescence. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010144. [PMID: 36672651 PMCID: PMC9855766 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
As marijuana use during adolescence has been increasing, the need to understand the effects of its long-term use becomes crucial. Previous research suggested that marijuana consumption during adolescence increases the risk of developing mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. Ghrelin is a peptide produced primarily in the gut and is important for feeding behavior. Recent studies have shown that ghrelin and its receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), play important roles in mediating stress, as well as anxiety and depression-like behaviors in animal models. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration during late adolescence (P42-55) in GHSR (GHSR -/-) knockout mice and their wild-type littermates in relation to anxiety-like behaviors. We determined that continuous THC exposure during late adolescence did not lead to any significant alterations in the anxiety-like behaviors of adult mice, regardless of genotype, following a prolonged period of no exposure (1 month). These data indicate that in the presence of intact or impaired ghrelin/GHSR signaling, THC exposure during late adolescence has limited if any long-term impact on anxiety-like behaviors in mice.
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Jerlhag E. Animal studies reveal that the ghrelin pathway regulates alcohol-mediated responses. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1050973. [PMID: 36970276 PMCID: PMC10030715 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1050973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is often described as repeated phases of binge drinking, compulsive alcohol-taking, craving for alcohol during withdrawal, and drinking with an aim to a reduce the negative consequences. Although multifaceted, alcohol-induced reward is one aspect influencing the former three of these. The neurobiological mechanisms regulating AUD processes are complex and one of these systems is the gut-brain peptide ghrelin. The vast physiological properties of ghrelin are mediated via growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR, ghrelin receptor). Ghrelin is well known for its ability to control feeding, hunger, and metabolism. Moreover, ghrelin signaling appears central for alcohol-mediated responses; findings reviewed herein. In male rodents GHSR antagonism reduces alcohol consumption, prevents relapse drinking, and attenuates the motivation to consume alcohol. On the other hand, ghrelin increases the consumption of alcohol. This ghrelin-alcohol interaction is also verified to some extent in humans with high alcohol consumption. In addition, either pharmacological or genetic suppression of GHSR decreases several alcohol-related effects (behavioral or neurochemical). Indeed, this suppression blocks the alcohol-induced hyperlocomotion and dopamine release in nucleus accumbens as well as ablates the alcohol reward in the conditioned place preference model. Although not fully elucidated, this interaction appears to involve areas central for reward, such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and brain nodes targeted by VTA projections. As reviewed briefly, the ghrelin pathway does not only modulate alcohol-mediated effects, it regulates reward-related behaviors induced by addictive drugs. Although personality traits like impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors are common in patients with AUD, the role of the ghrelin pathway thereof is unknown and remains to be studied. In summary, the ghrelin pathway regulates addiction processes like AUD and therefore the possibility that GHSR antagonism reduces alcohol or drug-taking should be explored in randomized clinical trials.
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Kurt Tunagur EM, Yazici AB, Guzel D, Tunagur MT, Ermis C, Suda MA, Yazici E. Investigating associations between appetite-regulating hormones, aggression and craving in males with cannabis use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 238:109577. [PMID: 35905593 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aggression and craving are common and important withdrawal symptoms in cannabis use disorder. The present study investigated the association between appetite-regulating hormones, aggression, and craving during cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS). METHODS Fifty-six male subjects diagnosed with cannabis withdrawal and 45 healthy males were included in the study. The Substance Craving Scale, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were implemented at baseline. Blood samples were drawn to measure ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin levels in the serum. Then, the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm (PSAP) was applied. Bloodwork and psychometric assessment procedures were re-implemented after the PSAP. At the 7-day follow-up, psychometric assessments and hormone measurements were repeated in the CWS group. RESULTS Baseline serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels were lower in the CWS group than controls at baseline. After PSAP, there was a significant increase in ghrelin levels of patients with CWS compared to controls. Patients yielded higher aggression scores, while there was no significant correlation between hormonal changes and PSAP findings. At 7-day follow, ghrelin and resistin levels significantly increased, while serum leptin decreased in patients with CWS. Finally, there was a positive association between craving and resistin levels. CONCLUSIONS Our results present the changes in appetite-regulating hormones. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to shed light on neuroendocrinological aspects of cannabis withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Derya Guzel
- Department of Physiology, Sakarya University, 54290 Sakarya, Turkey
| | | | - Cagatay Ermis
- Diyarbakır Children's Hospital, 21000 Diyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Akif Suda
- Department of Psychiatry, Sakarya University, 54290 Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Esra Yazici
- Department of Psychiatry, Sakarya University, 54290 Sakarya, Turkey
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Mepirapim, a Novel Synthetic Cannabinoid, Induces Addiction-Related Behaviors through Neurochemical Maladaptation in the Brain of Rodents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060710. [PMID: 35745629 PMCID: PMC9229951 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mepirapim is a synthetic cannabinoid that has recently been abused for recreational purposes. Although serious side effects have been reported from users, the dangerous pharmacological effects of Mepirapim have not been scientifically demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the addictive potential of Mepirapim through an intravenous self-administration test and a conditioned place preference test in rodents. Moreover, to determine whether the pharmacological effects of Mepirapim are mediated by cannabinoid receptors, we investigated whether Mepirapim treatment induces cannabinoid tetrad symptoms in mice. Lastly, to identify Mepirapim induced neurochemical maladaptation in the brains of mice, we performed microdialysis, western blots and neurotransmitter enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In the results, Mepirapim supported the maintenance of intravenous self-administration and the development of conditioned place preference. As a molecular mechanism of Mepirapim addiction, we identified a decrease in GABAeric signalling and an increase in dopaminergic signalling in the brain reward circuit. Finally, by confirming the Mepirapim-induced expression of cannabinoid tetrad symptoms, we confirmed that Mepirapim acts pharmacologically through cannabinoid receptor one. Taken together, we found that Mepirapim induces addiction-related behaviours through neurochemical maladaptation in the brain. On the basis of these findings, we propose the strict regulation of recreational abuse of Mepirapim.
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Sustkova-Fiserova M, Charalambous C, Khryakova A, Certilina A, Lapka M, Šlamberová R. The Role of Ghrelin/GHS-R1A Signaling in Nonalcohol Drug Addictions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:761. [PMID: 35054944 PMCID: PMC8776007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction causes constant serious health, social, and economic burden within the human society. The current drug dependence pharmacotherapies, particularly relapse prevention, remain limited, unsatisfactory, unreliable for opioids and tobacco, and even symptomatic for stimulants and cannabinoids, thus, new more effective treatment strategies are researched. The antagonism of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type A (GHS-R1A) has been recently proposed as a novel alcohol addiction treatment strategy, and it has been intensively studied in experimental models of other addictive drugs, such as nicotine, stimulants, opioids and cannabinoids. The role of ghrelin signaling in these drugs effects has also been investigated. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of preclinical and clinical studies focused on ghrelin's/GHS-R1A possible involvement in these nonalcohol addictive drugs reinforcing effects and addiction. Although the investigation is still in its early stage, majority of the existing reviewed experimental results from rodents with the addition of few human studies, that searched correlations between the genetic variations of the ghrelin signaling or the ghrelin blood content with the addictive drugs effects, have indicated the importance of the ghrelin's/GHS-R1As involvement in the nonalcohol abused drugs pro-addictive effects. Further research is necessary to elucidate the exact involved mechanisms and to verify the future potential utilization and safety of the GHS-R1A antagonism use for these drug addiction therapies, particularly for reducing the risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Sustkova-Fiserova
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Chrysostomos Charalambous
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Anna Khryakova
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Alina Certilina
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Marek Lapka
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Romana Šlamberová
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 4, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
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Shevchouk OT, Tufvesson-Alm M, Jerlhag E. An Overview of Appetite-Regulatory Peptides in Addiction Processes; From Bench to Bed Side. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:774050. [PMID: 34955726 PMCID: PMC8695496 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.774050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a substantial need for new pharmacological treatments of addiction, and appetite-regulatory peptides are implied as possible candidates. Appetite regulation is complex and involves anorexigenic hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and amylin, and orexigenic peptides like ghrelin and all are well-known for their effects on feeding behaviors. This overview will summarize more recent physiological aspects of these peptides, demonstrating that they modulate various aspects of addiction processes. Findings from preclinical, genetic, and experimental clinical studies exploring the association between appetite-regulatory peptides and the acute or chronic effects of addictive drugs will be introduced. Short or long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists independently attenuate the acute rewarding properties of addictive drugs or reduce the chronic aspects of drugs. Genetic variation of the GLP-1 system is associated with alcohol use disorder. Also, the amylin pathway modulates the acute and chronic behavioral responses to addictive drugs. Ghrelin has been shown to activate reward-related behaviors. Moreover, ghrelin enhances, whereas pharmacological or genetic suppression of the ghrelin receptor attenuates the responses to various addictive drugs. Genetic studies and experimental clinical studies further support the associations between ghrelin and addiction processes. Further studies should explore the mechanisms modulating the ability of appetite-regulatory peptides to reduce addiction, and the effects of combination therapies or different diets on substance use are warranted. In summary, these studies provide evidence that appetite-regulatory peptides modulate reward and addiction processes, and deserve to be investigated as potential treatment target for addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesya T Shevchouk
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maximilian Tufvesson-Alm
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Jerlhag
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Shen M, Manca C, Suriano F, Nallabelli N, Pechereau F, Allam-Ndoul B, Iannotti FA, Flamand N, Veilleux A, Cani PD, Silvestri C, Di Marzo V. Three of a Kind: Control of the Expression of Liver-Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide 2 (LEAP2) by the Endocannabinoidome and the Gut Microbiome. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 27:molecules27010001. [PMID: 35011234 PMCID: PMC8746324 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoidome (expanded endocannabinoid system, eCBome)-gut microbiome (mBIome) axis plays a fundamental role in the control of energy intake and processing. The liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is a recently identified molecule acting as an antagonist of the ghrelin receptor and hence a potential effector of energy metabolism, also at the level of the gastrointestinal system. Here we investigated the role of the eCBome-gut mBIome axis in the control of the expression of LEAP2 in the liver and, particularly, the intestine. We confirm that the small intestine is a strong contributor to the circulating levels of LEAP2 in mice, and show that: (1) intestinal Leap2 expression is profoundly altered in the liver and small intestine of 13 week-old germ-free (GF) male mice, which also exhibit strong alterations in eCBome signaling; fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) from conventionally raised to GF mice completely restored normal Leap2 expression after 7 days from this procedure; in 13 week-old female GF mice no significant change was observed; (2) Leap2 expression in organoids prepared from the mouse duodenum is elevated by the endocannabinoid noladin ether, whereas in human Caco-2/15 epithelial intestinal cells it is elevated by PPARγ activation by rosiglitazone; (3) Leap2 expression is elevated in the ileum of mice with either high-fat diet—or genetic leptin signaling deficiency—(i.e., ob/ob and db/db mice) induced obesity. Based on these results, we propose that LEAP2 originating from the small intestine may represent a player in eCBome- and/or gut mBIome-mediated effects on food intake and energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Shen
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (M.S.); (C.M.); (N.N.); (N.F.)
| | - Claudia Manca
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (M.S.); (C.M.); (N.N.); (N.F.)
- Unité Mixte Internationale en Recherche Chimique et Biomoléculaire du Microbiome et son Impact sur la Santé Métabolique et la Nutrition, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Francesco Suriano
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology (WELBIO), UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.S.); (P.D.C.)
| | - Nayudu Nallabelli
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (M.S.); (C.M.); (N.N.); (N.F.)
| | - Florent Pechereau
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), École de Nutrition (FSAA), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (F.P.); (B.A.-N.); (A.V.)
| | - Bénédicte Allam-Ndoul
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), École de Nutrition (FSAA), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (F.P.); (B.A.-N.); (A.V.)
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (M.S.); (C.M.); (N.N.); (N.F.)
| | - Alain Veilleux
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), École de Nutrition (FSAA), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (F.P.); (B.A.-N.); (A.V.)
| | - Patrice D. Cani
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology (WELBIO), UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.S.); (P.D.C.)
| | - Cristoforo Silvestri
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (M.S.); (C.M.); (N.N.); (N.F.)
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), École de Nutrition (FSAA), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (F.P.); (B.A.-N.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (V.D.); Tel.: +1-418-656-8711 (ext. 7229) (C.S.); +1-418-656-8711 (ext. 7263) (V.D.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (M.S.); (C.M.); (N.N.); (N.F.)
- Unité Mixte Internationale en Recherche Chimique et Biomoléculaire du Microbiome et son Impact sur la Santé Métabolique et la Nutrition, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), École de Nutrition (FSAA), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (F.P.); (B.A.-N.); (A.V.)
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (V.D.); Tel.: +1-418-656-8711 (ext. 7229) (C.S.); +1-418-656-8711 (ext. 7263) (V.D.)
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Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Botticelli L, Del Bello F, Giorgioni G, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Cifani C, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV. Assessing the role of ghrelin and the enzyme ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) system in food reward, food motivation, and binge eating behavior. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105847. [PMID: 34438062 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The peripheral peptide hormone ghrelin is a powerful stimulator of food intake, which leads to body weight gain and adiposity in both rodents and humans. The hormone, thus, increases the vulnerability to obesity and binge eating behavior. Several studies have revealed that ghrelin's functions are due to its interaction with the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR1a) in the hypothalamic area; besides, ghrelin also promotes the reinforcing properties of hedonic food, acting at extra-hypothalamic sites and interacting with dopaminergic, cannabinoid, opioid, and orexin signaling. The hormone is primarily present in two forms in the plasma and the enzyme ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) allows the acylation reaction which causes the transformation of des-acyl-ghrelin (DAG) to the active form acyl-ghrelin (AG). DAG has been demonstrated to show antagonist properties; it is metabolically active, and counteracts the effects of AG on glucose metabolism and lipolysis, and reduces food consumption, body weight, and hedonic feeding response. Both peptides seem to influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the corticosterone/cortisol level that drive the urge to eat under stressful conditions. These findings suggest that DAG and inhibition of GOAT may be targets for obesity and bingeing-related eating disorders and that AG/DAG ratio may be an important potential biomarker to assess the risk of developing maladaptive eating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Fabio Del Bello
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via S. Agostino, 1, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Gianfabio Giorgioni
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via S. Agostino, 1, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Piergentili
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via S. Agostino, 1, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Wilma Quaglia
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via S. Agostino, 1, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
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Cannabinoid-Induced Conditioned Place Preference, Intravenous Self-Administration, and Behavioral Stimulation Influenced by Ghrelin Receptor Antagonism in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052397. [PMID: 33673659 PMCID: PMC7957642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052397] [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: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis/cannabinoids are widely used for recreational and therapy purposes, but their risks are largely disregarded. However, cannabinoid-associated use disorders and dependence are alarmingly increasing and an effective treatment is lacking. Recently, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR1A) antagonism was proposed as a promising mechanism for drug addiction therapy. However, the role of GHS-R1A and its endogenous ligand ghrelin in cannabinoid abuse remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate whether the GHS-R1A antagonist JMV2959 could reduce the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and behavioral stimulation, the WIN55,212-2 intravenous self-administration (IVSA), and the tendency to relapse. Following an ongoing WIN55,212-2 self-administration, JMV2959 3 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally 20 min before three consequent daily 120-min IVSA sessions under a fixed ratio FR1, which significantly reduced the number of the active lever-pressing, the number of infusions, and the cannabinoid intake. Pretreatment with JMV2959 suggested reduction of the WIN55,212-2-seeking/relapse-like behavior tested in rats on the twelfth day of the forced abstinence period. On the contrary, pretreatment with ghrelin significantly increased the cannabinoid IVSA as well as enhanced the relapse-like behavior. Co-administration of ghrelin with JMV2959 abolished/reduced the significant efficacy of the GHS-R1A antagonist in the cannabinoid IVSA. Pretreatment with JMV2959 significantly and dose-dependently reduced the manifestation of THC-induced CPP. The THC-CPP development was reduced after the simultaneous administration of JMV2959 with THC during conditioning. JMV2959 also significantly reduced the THC-induced behavioral stimulation in the LABORAS cage. Our findings suggest that GHS-R1A importantly participates in the rewarding/reinforcing effects of cannabinoids.
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