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Márquez LA, López Rubalcava C, Galván EJ. Postnatal hypofunction of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors alters perforant path synaptic plasticity and filtering and impairs dentate gyrus-mediated spatial discrimination. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2701-2724. [PMID: 38631821 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Transient hypofunction of the NMDA receptor represents a convergence point for the onset and further development of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Although the cumulative evidence indicates dysregulation of the hippocampal formation in schizophrenia, the integrity of the synaptic transmission and plasticity conveyed by the somatosensorial inputs to the dentate gyrus, the perforant pathway synapses, have barely been explored in this pathological condition. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We identified a series of synaptic alterations of the lateral and medial perforant paths in animals postnatally treated with the NMDA antagonist MK-801. This dysregulation suggests decreased cognitive performance, for which the dentate gyrus is critical. KEY RESULTS We identified alterations in the synaptic properties of the lateral and medial perforant paths to the dentate gyrus synapses in slices from MK-801-treated animals. Altered glutamate release and decreased synaptic strength precede an impairment in the induction and expression of long-term potentiation (LTP) and CB1 receptor-mediated long-term depression (LTD). Remarkably, by inhibiting the degradation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), an endogenous ligand of the CB1 receptor, we restored the LTD in animals treated with MK-801. Additionally, we showed for the first time, that spatial discrimination, a cognitive task that requires dentate gyrus integrity, is impaired in animals exposed to transient hypofunction of NMDA receptors. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Dysregulation of glutamatergic transmission and synaptic plasticity from the entorhinal cortex to the dentate gyrus has been demonstrated, which may explain the cellular dysregulations underlying the altered cognitive processing in the dentate gyrus associated with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Márquez
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, CINVESTAV Unidad Sur, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Emilio J Galván
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, CINVESTAV Unidad Sur, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre el Envejecimiento, CIE-Cinvestav, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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2
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Butini S, Grether U, Jung KM, Ligresti A, Allarà M, Postmus AGJ, Maramai S, Brogi S, Papa A, Carullo G, Sykes D, Veprintsev D, Federico S, Grillo A, Di Guglielmo B, Ramunno A, Stevens AF, Heer D, Lamponi S, Gemma S, Benz J, Di Marzo V, van der Stelt M, Piomelli D, Campiani G. Development of Potent and Selective Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitors. SARs, Structural Analysis, and Biological Characterization. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1758-1782. [PMID: 38241614 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
New potent, selective monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors based on the azetidin-2-one scaffold ((±)-5a-v, (±)-6a-j, and (±)-7a-d) were developed as irreversible ligands, as demonstrated by enzymatic and crystallographic studies for (±)-5d, (±)-5l, and (±)-5r. X-ray analyses combined with extensive computational studies allowed us to clarify the binding mode of the compounds. 5v was identified as selective for MAGL when compared with other serine hydrolases. Solubility, in vitro metabolic stability, cytotoxicity, and absence of mutagenicity were determined for selected analogues. The most promising compounds ((±)-5c, (±)-5d, and (±)-5v) were used for in vivo studies in mice, showing a decrease in MAGL activity and increased 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol levels in forebrain tissue. In particular, 5v is characterized by a high eudysmic ratio and (3R,4S)-5v is one of the most potent irreversible inhibitors of h/mMAGL identified thus far. These results suggest that the new MAGL inhibitors have therapeutic potential for different central and peripheral pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Uwe Grether
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Annemarieke G J Postmus
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 CC, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Samuele Maramai
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Papa
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - David Sykes
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Dmitry Veprintsev
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Federico
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Grillo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Di Guglielmo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Ramunno
- Department of Pharmacy/DIFARMA, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Salerno 84084, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Anna Floor Stevens
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 CC, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dominik Heer
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Lamponi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jörg Benz
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur La Nutrition Et Les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), École de Nutrition, Université Laval, 2440 Boulevard Hochelaga, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, PO Box 2325, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Faculté de Médecine, Département de Médecine, Université Laval, PO Box 2725, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
- Unité Mixte Internationale en Recherche Chimique et Biomoléculaire sur le Microbiome et Son Impact Sur la Santé Métabolique et la Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu), Université Laval, PO Box 2325, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2300 CC, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-7346, Iran
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Andrei C, Mihai DP, Nitulescu G, Ungurianu A, Margina DM, Nitulescu GM, Olaru OT, Busca RM, Zanfirescu A. Cetirizine and Levetiracetam as Inhibitors of Monoacylglycerol Lipase: Investigating Their Repurposing Potential as Novel Osteoarthritic Pain Therapies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1563. [PMID: 38004429 PMCID: PMC10675604 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111563] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive articular cartilage degradation, subchondral bone changes, and synovial inflammation, and affects various joints, causing pain and disability. Current osteoarthritis therapies, primarily focused on pain management, face limitations due to limited effectiveness and high risks of adverse effects. Safer and more effective treatments are urgently needed. Considering that the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol is involved in pain processing, increasing its concentration through monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibition reduces pain in various animal models. Furthermore, drug repurposing approaches leverage established drug safety profiles, presenting a cost-effective route to accelerate clinical application. To this end, cetirizine and levetiracetam were examined for their MAGL inhibitory effects. In vitro studies revealed that cetirizine and levetiracetam inhibited MAGL with IC50 values of 9.3931 µM and 3.0095 µM, respectively. In vivo experiments demonstrated that cetirizine, and to a lesser extent levetiracetam, reduced mechanical and thermal nociception in complete Freund adjuvant (CFA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats. Cetirizine exhibited a notable anti-inflammatory effect, reducing CFA-induced inflammation, as well as the inflammatory infiltrate and granuloma formation in the affected paw. These findings suggest that cetirizine may serve as a promising starting point for the development of novel compounds for osteoarthritis treatment, addressing both pain and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Andrei
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Paul Mihai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgiana Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Ungurianu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Marilena Margina
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - George Mihai Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Tudorel Olaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Radu Mihai Busca
- Colentina Clinical Hospital, Stefan cel Mare 19-21, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
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Papadogkonaki S, Spyridakos D, Lapokonstantaki E, Chaniotakis N, Makriyannis A, Malamas MS, Thermos K. Investigating the Effects of Exogenous and Endogenous 2-Arachidonoylglycerol on Retinal CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors and Reactive Microglia in Naive and Diseased Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15689. [PMID: 37958673 PMCID: PMC10650178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a new target for the development of retinal disease therapeutics, whose pathophysiology involves neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) affects neurons and microglia by activating CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors (Rs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 2-AG on the CB1R expression/downregulation and retinal neurons/reactive microglia, when administered repeatedly (4 d), in three different paradigms. These involved the 2-AG exogenous administration (a) intraperitoneally (i.p.) and (b) topically and (c) by enhancing the 2-AG endogenous levels via the inhibition (AM11920, i.p.) of its metabolic enzymes (MAGL/ABHD6). Sprague Dawley rats were treated as mentioned above in the presence or absence of CB1/CB2R antagonists and the excitatory amino acid, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and a 2-AG level analyses were performed. The 2-AG repeated treatment (i.p.) induced the CB1R downregulation, abolishing its neuroprotective actions. However, 2-AG attenuated the AMPA-induced activation of microglia via the CB2R, as concurred by the AM630 antagonist effect. Topically administered 2-AG was efficacious as a neuroprotectant/antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory agent. AM11920 increased the 2-AG levels providing neuroprotection against excitotoxicity and reduced microglial activation without affecting the CB1R expression. Our findings show that 2-AG, in the three paradigms studied, displays differential pharmacological profiles in terms of the downregulation of the CB1R and neuroprotection. All treatments, however, attenuated the activation of microglia via the CB2R activation, supporting the anti-inflammatory role of 2-AG in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Papadogkonaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (S.P.); (D.S.)
| | - Dimitris Spyridakos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (S.P.); (D.S.)
| | | | - Nikos Chaniotakis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (E.L.); (N.C.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (A.M.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Michael S. Malamas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (A.M.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Kyriaki Thermos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (S.P.); (D.S.)
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5
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Kim HW, Yong H, Shea GKH. Blood-spinal cord barrier disruption in degenerative cervical myelopathy. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:68. [PMID: 37743487 PMCID: PMC10519090 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most prevalent cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the aging population. Significant neurological deficits may result from a delayed diagnosis as well as inadequate neurological recovery following surgical decompression. Here, we review the pathophysiology of DCM with an emphasis on how blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption is a critical yet neglected pathological feature affecting prognosis. In patients suffering from DCM, compromise of the BSCB is evidenced by elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to serum protein ratios and abnormal contrast-enhancement upon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In animal model correlates, there is histological evidence of increased extravasation of tissue dyes and serum contents, and pathological changes to the neurovascular unit. BSCB dysfunction is the likely culprit for ischemia-reperfusion injury following surgical decompression, which can result in devastating neurological sequelae. As there are currently no therapeutic approaches specifically targeting BSCB reconstitution, we conclude the review by discussing potential interventions harnessed for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woo Kim
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, LKS Faulty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hu Yong
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, LKS Faulty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Graham Ka Hon Shea
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, LKS Faulty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Chen C. Inhibiting degradation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108394. [PMID: 36966972 PMCID: PMC10123871 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are endogenous lipid signaling mediators that participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endocannabinoid and is a full agonist of G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), which are targets of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. While 2-AG has been well recognized as a retrograde messenger modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity at both inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic synapses in the brain, growing evidence suggests that 2-AG also functions as an endogenous terminator of neuroinflammation in response to harmful insults, thus maintaining brain homeostasis. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the key enzyme that degrades 2-AG in the brain. The immediate metabolite of 2-AG is arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor of prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes. Several lines of evidence indicate that pharmacological or genetic inactivation of MAGL, which boosts 2-AG levels and reduces its hydrolytic metabolites, resolves neuroinflammation, mitigates neuropathology, and improves synaptic and cognitive functions in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced neurodegenerative disease. Thus, it has been proposed that MAGL is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. As the main enzyme hydrolyzing 2-AG, several MAGL inhibitors have been identified and developed. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which inactivation of MAGL produces neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases remains limited. A recent finding that inhibition of 2-AG metabolism in astrocytes, but not in neurons, protects the brain from TBI-induced neuropathology might shed some light on this unsolved issue. This review provides an overview of MAGL as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and discusses possible mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of restraining degradation of 2-AG in the brain.
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Insight into the Inhibitory Mechanism of Aryl Formyl Piperidine Derivatives on Monoacylglycerol Lipase through Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217512. [DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) can regulate the endocannabinoid system and thus becomes a target of antidepressant drugs. In this paper, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, combined with binding free energy calculation, were employed to investigate the inhibitory mechanism and binding modes of four aryl formyl piperidine derivative inhibitors with different 1-substituents to MAGL. The results showed that in the four systems, the main four regions where the enzyme bound to the inhibitor included around the head aromatic ring, the head carbonyl oxygen, the tail amide bond, and the tail benzene ring. The significant conformational changes in the more flexible lid domain of the enzyme were caused by 1-substituted group differences of inhibitors and resulted in different degrees of flipping in the tail of the inhibitor. The flipping led to a different direction of the tail amide bond and made a greater variation in its interaction with some of the charged residues in the enzyme, which further contributed to a different swing of the tail benzene ring. If the swing is large enough, it can weaken the binding strength of the head carbonyl oxygen to its nearby residues, and even the whole inhibitor with the enzyme so that the inhibition decreases.
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Kemble AM, Hornsperger B, Ruf I, Richter H, Benz J, Kuhn B, Heer D, Wittwer M, Engelhardt B, Grether U, Collin L. A potent and selective inhibitor for the modulation of MAGL activity in the neurovasculature. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268590. [PMID: 36084029 PMCID: PMC9462760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation and blood–brain barrier dysfunction are key pathological hallmarks of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Major drivers of these pathologies include pro-inflammatory stimuli such as prostaglandins, which are produced in the central nervous system by the oxidation of arachidonic acid in a reaction catalyzed by the cyclooxygenases COX1 and COX2. Monoacylglycerol lipase hydrolyzes the endocannabinoid signaling lipid 2-arachidonyl glycerol, enhancing local pools of arachidonic acid in the brain and leading to cyclooxygenase-mediated prostaglandin production and neuroinflammation. Monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors were recently shown to act as effective anti-inflammatory modulators, increasing 2-arachidonyl glycerol levels while reducing levels of arachidonic acid and prostaglandins, including PGE2 and PGD2. In this study, we characterized a novel, highly selective, potent and reversible monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor (MAGLi 432) in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide-induced blood–brain barrier permeability and in both human and mouse cells of the neurovascular unit: brain microvascular endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes. We confirmed the expression of monoacylglycerol lipase in specific neurovascular unit cells in vitro, with pericytes showing the highest expression level and activity. However, MAGLi 432 did not ameliorate lipopolysaccharide-induced blood–brain barrier permeability in vivo or reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain. Our data confirm monoacylglycerol lipase expression in mouse and human cells of the neurovascular unit and provide the basis for further cell-specific analysis of MAGLi 432 in the context of blood–brain barrier dysfunction caused by inflammatory insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M. Kemble
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benoit Hornsperger
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Iris Ruf
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans Richter
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Benz
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Kuhn
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Heer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Wittwer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ludovic Collin
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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9
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Khan A, Khan SU, Khan A, Shal B, Rehman SU, Rehman SU, Htar TT, Khan S, Anwar S, Alafnan A, Rengasamy KRR. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Rheumatic Potential of Selective Plant Compounds by Targeting TLR-4/AP-1 Signaling: A Comprehensive Molecular Docking and Simulation Approaches. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134319. [PMID: 35807562 PMCID: PMC9268648 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants are an important source of drug development and numerous plant derived molecules have been used in clinical practice for the ailment of various diseases. The Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis. The TLR-4 binds with pro-inflammatory ligands such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce the downstream signaling mechanism such as nuclear factor κappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). This signaling activation leads to the onset of various diseases including inflammation. In the present study, 22 natural compounds were studied against TLR-4/AP-1 signaling, which is implicated in the inflammatory process using a computational approach. These compounds belong to various classes such as methylxanthine, sesquiterpene lactone, alkaloid, flavone glycosides, lignan, phenolic acid, etc. The compounds exhibited different binding affinities with the TLR-4, JNK, NF-κB, and AP-1 protein due to the formation of multiple hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. With TLR-4, rutin had the highest binding energy (−10.4 kcal/mol), poncirin had the highest binding energy (−9.4 kcal/mol) with NF-κB and JNK (−9.5 kcal/mol), respectively, and icariin had the highest binding affinity (−9.1 kcal/mol) with the AP-1 protein. The root means square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fraction (RMSF), and radius of gyration (RoG) for 150 ns were calculated using molecular dynamic simulation (MD simulation) based on rutin’s greatest binding energy with TLR-4. The RMSD, RMSF, and RoG were all within acceptable limits in the MD simulation, and the complex remained stable for 150 ns. Furthermore, these compounds were assessed for the potential toxic effect on various organs such as the liver, heart, genotoxicity, and oral maximum toxic dose. Moreover, the blood–brain barrier permeability and intestinal absorption were also predicted using SwissADME software (Lausanne, Switzerland). These compounds exhibited promising physico-chemical as well as drug-likeness properties. Consequently, these selected compounds portray promising anti-inflammatory and drug-likeness properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashrafullah Khan
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (A.K.); (A.K.); (B.S.)
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
| | - Shafi Ullah Khan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
- Product & Process Innovation Department, Qarshi Brands (Pvt) Ltd., Hattar 22610, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Khan
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (A.K.); (A.K.); (B.S.)
| | - Bushra Shal
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (A.K.); (A.K.); (B.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, IQRA University, Islamabad Campus (Chak Shahzad), Park link Rd., Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Sabih Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.U.R.); (S.U.R.)
| | - Shaheed Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.U.R.); (S.U.R.)
| | - Thet Thet Htar
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Salman Khan
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (A.K.); (A.K.); (B.S.)
- Correspondence: or (S.K.); (K.R.R.)
| | - Sirajudheen Anwar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 55211, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Ahmed Alafnan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 55211, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Kannan RR Rengasamy
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Dental College, Chennai 600077, India
- Correspondence: or (S.K.); (K.R.R.)
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10
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Mei J, Guo R, Zhang F, Zhang H, Yang X, Yu B, Liu J, Liu X. Identification of bioactive natural products using yeast:Application to monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor extraction from Corydalis Rhizoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112798. [PMID: 35286964 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of bioactive principles from natural products is considered a challenging task in drug discovery. Recently, ligand fishing has been growing in interest as a sustainable strategy. In this study, a yeast-based drug discovery strategy was investigated to screen and fish active ingredients from natural products. Human monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) was first displayed on the cell wall of Pichia pastoris. The expression of MAGL on the cell surface was confirmed by immunofluorescence analysis. The activity toward 7-HCA which was consistent with free enzymes in solution. Recombinant yeast strains were used to screen the potential inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines. Preliminary screening showed that the extracts of 12 herbs showed inhibition on MAGL activity, among which Corydalis Rhizoma had the highest inhibition rate of 60.66 ± 2.44%. Recombinant yeast fishing combined with HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis was further used to identify the potential MAGL inhibitors. Finally, dehydrocorydaline (DHC) in Corydalis Rhizoma was determined as a ligand to MAGL with the IC50 value at 154.7 μΜ. Corydalis Rhizoma has been used as a pain reliever in TCM. Intraperitoneal injection of 7 mg kg- 1 DHC in chronic constriction injury model rats significantly attenuated the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Meanwhile, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, the major MAGL substrate in the brain, was significantly increased both in the hippocampus and striatum. In conclusion, yeast-based ligand fishing combined with HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS is a powerful strategy for drug discovery in complex mixtures and DHC from Corydalis Rhizoma was confirmed with high inhibitory activity to MAGL either in vitro or in vivo .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Ruilin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Xinping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Boyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Jihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
| | - Xiufeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China; Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
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11
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Benchama O, Tyukhtenko S, Malamas MS, Williams MK, Makriyannis A, Avraham HK. Inhibition of triple negative breast cancer-associated inflammation, tumor growth and brain colonization by targeting monoacylglycerol lipase. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5328. [PMID: 35351947 PMCID: PMC8964799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09358-8] [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: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
While the prevalence of breast cancer metastasis in the brain is significantly higher in triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs), there is a lack of novel and/or improved therapies for these patients. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a hydrolase involved in lipid metabolism that catalyzes the degradation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) linked to generation of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules. Here, we targeted MAGL in TNBCs, using a potent carbamate-based inhibitor AM9928 (hMAGL IC50 = 9 nM) with prolonged pharmacodynamic effects (46 h of target residence time). AM9928 blocked TNBC cell adhesion and transmigration across human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) in 3D co-cultures. In addition, AM9928 inhibited the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF-A from TNBC cells. TNBC-derived exosomes activated HBMECs resulting in secretion of elevated levels of IL-8 and VEGF, which were inhibited by AM9928. Using in vivo studies of syngeneic GFP-4T1-BrM5 mammary tumor cells, AM9928 inhibited tumor growth in the mammary fat pads and attenuated blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability changes, resulting in reduced TNBC colonization in brain. Together, these results support the potential clinical application of MAGL inhibitors as novel treatments for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Othman Benchama
- The Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sergiy Tyukhtenko
- The Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Michael S Malamas
- The Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- The Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hava Karsenty Avraham
- The Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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12
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Kashyap A, Kumar S, Dutt R. A review on structurally diversified synthesized molecules as monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors and their therapeutic uses. Curr Drug Res Rev 2022; 14:96-115. [PMID: 35232358 DOI: 10.2174/2589977514666220301111457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Monoacylglycerol is a metabolic key serine hydrolase, engaged in the regulation of signalling network system of endocannabinoids, which is associated with various physiological processes like pain, inflammation, feeding cognition and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer, Parkinson's disease. The monoacylglycerol also found to act as a regulator and the free fatty acid provider in the proliferation of cancer cells, numerous aggressive tumours such as colorectal cancer, neuroblastoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It also played an important role in increasing the concentration of specific lipids derived from free fatty acids like phosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidic acid, sphingosine-1-phosphate and prostaglandin E2. These signalling lipids are associated with cell proliferation, survival, tumour cell migration, contributing to tumour development, maturation and metastases. In the present study here, we are presenting a review on structurally diverse MAGL inhibitors, their development and their evaluation for different pharmacological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Kashyap
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department (Ph.D. Scholar), School of Medical and Allied Sciences, GD Goenka University, Sohna, India
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department (Ph.D. Scholar), School of Medical and Allied Sciences, GD Goenka University, Sohna, India
| | - Rohit Dutt
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, GD Goenka University, Sohna, India
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13
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Sabnis RW. Novel Aminocyclobutanes as Monoacylglycerol Lipase Modulators. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:162-163. [PMID: 35178170 PMCID: PMC8842127 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ram W. Sabnis
- Smith, Gambrell
& Russell LLP, 1105 W. Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1000, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States
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14
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Zanfirescu A, Nitulescu G, Mihai DP, Nitulescu GM. Identifying FAAH Inhibitors as New Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Chronic Pain through Drug Repurposing. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:38. [PMID: 35056095 PMCID: PMC8781999 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain determines a substantial burden on individuals, employers, healthcare systems, and society. Most of the affected patients report dissatisfaction with currently available treatments. There are only a few and poor therapeutic options-some therapeutic agents are an outgrowth of drugs targeting acute pain, while others have several serious side effects. One of the primary degradative enzymes for endocannabinoids, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) attracted attention as a significant molecular target for developing new therapies for neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases, including chronic pain. Using chemical graph mining, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, and molecular docking techniques we developed a multi-step screening protocol to identify repurposable drugs as FAAH inhibitors. After screening the DrugBank database using our protocol, 273 structures were selected, with five already approved drugs, montelukast, repaglinide, revefenacin, raloxifene, and buclizine emerging as the most promising repurposable agents for treating chronic pain. Molecular docking studies indicated that the selected compounds interact with the enzyme mostly non-covalently (except for revefenacin) through shape complementarity to the large substrate-binding pocket in the active site. A molecular dynamics simulation was employed for montelukast and revealed stable interactions with the enzyme. The biological activity of the selected compounds should be further confirmed by employing in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Zanfirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgiana Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Paul Mihai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - George Mihai Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
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