Decoding the Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure on TRPV1 Lower-Gate Conformation by Molecular-Dynamics Simulation

Subcutaneous Oxytocin Injection Reduces Heat Pain: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide broadly implicated in social relationships and behavior. OT also exerts antinociceptive and pain-reducing effects in both humans and rodents. Recent research in rodents demonstrates that these effects can be peripheral and local. In human studies, intravenous OT has reduced visceral pain, and subcutaneous injection of OT has reduced postsurgical pain. However, the local effects of subcutaneous OT on experimental pain have not been studied. We conducted a 2-session crossover study during which healthy adults received a subcutaneous injection of synthetic OT (4 mcg/2 mL) or saline placebo (isotonic saline 2 mL), in a randomized and double-blinded manner. Eighteen participants completed full study procedures. We hypothesized that 10 minutes after injection, OT would reduce measures of acute mechanical pain, pressure pain, and heat pain perception. Subcutaneous OT significantly reduced ratings of heat pain intensity and unpleasantness (both P < .01), but did not alter mechanical pain, pressure pain, or heat pain threshold (all P > .05). Changes in heat pain were observed only on the injected arm and not on the contralateral arm, confirming a localized mechanism. These findings confirm the ability of OT in or near the skin to modulate nociceptive processes in cutaneous tissues in human adults, opening exciting avenues for further mechanistic research as well as potential clinical applications for acute pain. PERSPECTIVE: This randomized-controlled trial showed that a subcutaneous injection of OT could reduce perception of heat pain tested with a thermode. OT did not alter mechanical or pressure pain or thresholds for perceiving heat pain. These findings are relevant to scientists and clinicians seeking nonaddictive local drug treatments for pain.

Evaluation of Pregabalin bioadhesive multilayered microemulsion IOP-lowering eye drops

In spite of available treatment options, glaucoma continues to be a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Current glaucoma medications have multiple limitations including: lack of sustained action; requirement for multiple dosing per day, ocular irritation and limited options for drugs with different mechanisms of action. Previously, we demonstrated that pregabalin, a drug with high affinity and selectivity for CACNA2D1, lowered IOP in a dose-dependent manner. The current study was designed to evaluate pregabalin microemulsion eye drops and to estimate its efficacy in humans using in silico methods. Molecular docking studies of pregabalin against CACNA2D1 of mouse, rabbit, and human were performed. Pregabalin microemulsion eye drops were characterized using multiple in vivo studies and its stability was evaluated over one year at different storage conditions. Molecular docking analyses and QSPR of pregabalin confirmed its suitability as a new IOP-lowering medication that functions using a new mechanism of action by binding to CACNA2D1 in all species evaluated. Because of its prolonged corneal residence time and corneal penetration enhancement, a single topical application of pregabalin ME can provide an extended IOP reduction of more than day in different animal models. Repeated daily dosing for 2 months confirms the lack of any tachyphylactic effect, which is a common drawback among marketed IOP-lowering medications. In addition, pregabalin microemulsion demonstrated good physical stability for one year, and chemical stability for 3-6 months if stored below 25 °C. Collectively, these outcomes greatly support the use of pregabalin eye drops as once daily IOP-lowering therapy for glaucoma management.

TRPV: An emerging target in glaucoma and optic nerve damage

Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels are members of the TRP channel superfamily, which are ion channels that sense mechanical and osmotic stimuli and participate in Ca2+ signalling across the cell membrane. TRPV channels play important roles in maintaining the normal functions of an organism, and defects or abnormalities in TRPV channel function cause a range of diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological and urological disorders. Glaucoma is a group of chronic progressive optic nerve diseases with pathological changes that can occur in the tissues of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, including the ciliary body, trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, and retina. TRPV channels are expressed in these tissues and play various roles in glaucoma. In this article, we review various aspects of the pathogenesis of glaucoma, the structure and function of TRPV channels, the relationship between TRPV channels and systemic diseases, and the relationship between TRPV channels and ocular diseases, especially glaucoma, and we suggest future research directions. This information will help to further our understanding of TRPV channels and provide new ideas and targets for the treatment of glaucoma and optic nerve damage.

Computational methods in glaucoma research: Current status and future outlook

Advancements in computational techniques have transformed glaucoma research, providing a deeper understanding of genetics, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets. Systems genetics integrates genomic and clinical data, aiding in identifying drug targets, comprehending disease mechanisms, and personalizing treatment strategies for glaucoma. Molecular dynamics simulations offer valuable molecular-level insights into glaucoma-related biomolecule behavior and drug interactions, guiding experimental studies and drug discovery efforts. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies hold promise in revolutionizing glaucoma research, enhancing disease diagnosis, target identification, and drug candidate selection. The generalized protocols for systems genetics, MD simulations, and AI model development are included as a guide for glaucoma researchers. These computational methods, however, are not separate and work harmoniously together to discover novel ways to combat glaucoma. Ongoing research and progresses in genomics technologies, MD simulations, and AI methodologies project computational methods to become an integral part of glaucoma research in the future.

Insights from molecular dynamics simulations of TRPV1 channel modulators in pain

TRPV1 is a nonselective cation channel vital for detecting noxious stimuli (heat, acid, capsaicin). Its role in pain makes it a potential drug target for chronic pain management, migraines, and related disorders. This review updates molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies on the TRPV1 channel, focusing on its gating mechanism, ligand-binding sites, and implications for drug design. The article also explores challenges in developing modulators, SAR optimization, and clinical trial studies. Efforts have been undertaken to concisely present MD simulation findings, with a focus on their relevance to drug discovery.