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Ma YQ, Hu QQ, Kang YR, Ma LQ, Qu SY, Wang HZ, Zheng YM, Li SY, Shao XM, Li XY, Hu HT, Jiang YL, Fang JQ, He XF. Electroacupuncture Alleviates Diabetic Neuropathic Pain and Downregulates p-PKC and TRPV1 in Dorsal Root Ganglions and Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:3333563. [PMID: 36777630 PMCID: PMC9918371 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3333563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a common complication of diabetes. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced changes of protein in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) are critical for DNP genesis. However, which proteins change remains elusive. Here, the DNP model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ, accompanied by increased fasting blood glucose (FBG), decreased body weight (BW), and decreased paw withdrawal latency (PWL). Proteins change in L4-L6 DRGs and SCDH of rats were detected. Western blot and immunofluorescence results showed that expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase C (p-PKC), transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), Substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the DRG and the SCDH of rats were increased after STZ injection. A preliminary study from our previous study showed that 2 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) effectively alleviates DNP. However, the analgesic mechanism of EA needs further elucidation. Here, EA at the bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and KunLun (BL60) acupoints was applied for one week, and to investigate the effect on DNP. EA reversed thermal hyperalgesia in DNP rats and downregulated the expression of p-PKC, TRPV1, SP, and CGRP in DRG and SCDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-qi Ma
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Qun-qi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Yu rong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Li-qian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Si-ying Qu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Han-zhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Yin-mu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Si-yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Xiao-mei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Xiao-yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Han-tong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Yong-liang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Jian-qiao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Xiao-fen He
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
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2
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Ferreyra S, González S. Therapeutic potential of progesterone in spinal cord injury-induced neuropathic pain: At the crossroads between neuroinflammation and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13181. [PMID: 35924434 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13181] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, an area of active research has supported the notion that progesterone promotes a wide range of remarkable protective actions in experimental models of nervous system trauma or disease, and has also provided a strong basis for considering this steroid as a promising molecule for modulating the complex maladaptive changes that lead to neuropathic pain, especially after spinal cord injury. In this review, we intend to give the readers a brief appraisal of the main mechanisms underlying the increased excitability of the spinal circuit in the pain pathway after trauma, with particular emphasis on those mediated by the activation of resident glial cells, the subsequent release of proinflammatory cytokines and their impact on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function. We then summarize the available preclinical data pointing to progesterone as a valuable repurposing molecule for blocking critical cellular and molecular events that occur in the dorsal horn of the injured spinal cord and are related to the development of chronic pain. Since the treatment and management of neuropathic pain after spinal injury remains challenging, the potential therapeutic value of progesterone opens new traslational perspectives to prevent central pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol Ferreyra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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3
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Wang Y, Zhou B, Fang S, Zhu S, Xu T, Dilikumaer M, Li G. Dynorphin participates in interaction between depression and non-erosive reflux disease. Esophagus 2023; 20:158-169. [PMID: 36244036 PMCID: PMC9813039 DOI: 10.1007/s10388-022-00955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the relationships between anxiety/depression and NERD, we focused on dynorphin (Dyn), an important member of visceral hypersensitivity, and its related pathways. METHODS Pearson's correlation analysis on patients with NERD and in vivo experiment on NERD rat model. Part 1: Pearson's correlation analysis among serum levels of Dyn, clinical symptoms and HADS scores of NERD patients were carried on. Part 2: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: control group and model group. The data of pH value, immobility time, serum Dyn concentration, NMDAR1 and SP expression were, respectively, derived from automatic pH recorder, tail suspension test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Part 1: Pearson's correlation analysis showed that there was a linear correlation between Clinical Symptom (CS) score and HADS score (HAD-A, HAD-D), and the correlation coefficients were 0.385 and 0.273 respectively; the correlation coefficient between lg (Dyn) and lg (CS score) was r = 0.441, P = 0.002; the correlation coefficient between lg(Dyn) and lg (HAD-D score) was r = 0.447, P = 0.002. Part 2: The pH value of the lower esophagus in the model group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). The tail suspension immobility time of model group was significantly longer than that of control group (P < 0.01). The serum Dyn concentration and the expression level of NMDAR1 in spinal cord and SP in lower esophageal mucosa of model group were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Increased serum dynorphin level may be a sign of correlation between depression and NERD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingduo Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengquan Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengliang Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Makan Dilikumaer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanwu Li
- Department of Radiology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Stefanucci A, Della Valle A, Scioli G, Marinaccio L, Pieretti S, Minosi P, Szucs E, Benyhe S, Masci D, Tanguturi P, Chou K, Barlow D, Houseknecht K, Streicher JM, Mollica A. Discovery of κ Opioid Receptor (KOR)-Selective d-Tetrapeptides with Improved In Vivo Antinociceptive Effect after Peripheral Administration. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1707-1714. [PMID: 36385929 PMCID: PMC9661715 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00237] [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: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripherally active tetrapeptides as selective κ opioid receptor (KOR) agonists have been prepared in good overall yields and high purity following solid-phase peptide synthesis via Fmoc protection strategy. Structural modifications at the first and second position of the lead compound FF(d-Nle)R-NH2 (FE200041) were contemplated with aromatic side chains containing d-amino acids, such as (d)-pF-Phe, (d)-mF-Phe, (d)-oF-Phe, which led to highly selective and efficacious KOR agonists endowed with strong antinociceptive activity in vivo following intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) administration in the tail flick and formalin tests. These results suggest potential clinical applications in the treatment of neuropathic and inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Stefanucci
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara
“G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alice Della Valle
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara
“G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Scioli
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara
“G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenza Marinaccio
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara
“G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- Istituto
Superiore di Sanità, Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei farmaci, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Minosi
- Istituto
Superiore di Sanità, Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei farmaci, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Edina Szucs
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sandor Benyhe
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Kerry Chou
- Department
of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Deborah Barlow
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine 04005, United States
| | - Karen Houseknecht
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine 04005, United States
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department
of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara
“G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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5
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Best KM, Mojena MM, Barr GA, Schmidt HD, Cohen AS. Endogenous Opioid Dynorphin Is a Potential Link between Traumatic Brain Injury, Chronic Pain, and Substance Use Disorder. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:1-19. [PMID: 34751584 PMCID: PMC8978570 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem associated with numerous physical and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Chronic pain is prevalent and interferes with post-injury functioning and quality of life, whereas substance use disorder (SUD) is the third most common neuropsychiatric diagnosis after TBI. Neither of these conditions has a clear mechanistic explanation based on the known pathophysiology of TBI. Dynorphin is an endogenous opioid neuropeptide that is significantly dysregulated after TBI. Both dynorphin and its primary receptor, the ĸ-opioid receptor (KOR), are implicated in the neuropathology of chronic pain and SUD. Here, we review the known roles of dynorphin and KORs in chronic pain and SUDs. We synthesize this information with our current understanding of TBI and highlight potential mechanistic parallels between and across conditions that suggest a role for dynorphin in long-term sequelae after TBI. In pain studies, dynorphin/KOR activation has either antinociceptive or pro-nociceptive effects, and there are similarities between the signaling pathways influenced by dynorphin and those underlying development of chronic pain. Moreover, the dynorphin/KOR system is considered a key regulator of the negative affective state that characterizes drug withdrawal and protracted abstinence in SUD, and molecular and neurochemical changes observed during the development of SUD are mirrored by the pathophysiology of TBI. We conclude by proposing hypotheses and directions for future research aimed at elucidating the potential role of dynorphin/KOR in chronic pain and/or SUD after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin M. Best
- Department of Nursing and Clinical Care Services, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marissa M. Mojena
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gordon A. Barr
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Heath D. Schmidt
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Akiva S. Cohen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Address correspondence to: Akiva S. Cohen, PhD, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Room 816-I, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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6
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Aldrich JV, McLaughlin JP. Peptide Kappa Opioid Receptor Ligands and Their Potential for Drug Development. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 271:197-220. [PMID: 34463847 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ligands for kappa opioid receptors (KOR) have potential uses as non-addictive analgesics and for the treatment of pruritus, mood disorders, and substance abuse. These areas continue to have major unmet medical needs. Significant advances have been made in recent years in the preclinical development of novel opioid peptides, notably ones with structural features that inherently impart stability to proteases. Following a brief discussion of the potential therapeutic applications of KOR agonists and antagonists, this review focuses on two series of novel opioid peptides, all-D-amino acid tetrapeptides as peripherally selective KOR agonists for the treatment of pain and pruritus without centrally mediated side effects, and macrocyclic tetrapeptides based on CJ-15,208 that can exhibit different opioid profiles with potential applications such as analgesics and treatments for substance abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane V Aldrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Jay P McLaughlin
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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7
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Shoaib RM, Ahmad KA, Wang YX. Protopanaxadiol alleviates neuropathic pain by spinal microglial dynorphin A expression following glucocorticoid receptor activation. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2976-2997. [PMID: 33786848 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE New remedies are required for the treatment of neuropathic pain due to insufficient efficacy of available therapies. This study provides a novel approach to develop painkillers for chronic pain treatment. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The rat formalin pain test and spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain were used to evaluate antinociception of protopanaxadiol. Primary cell cultures, immunofluorescence staining, and gene and protein expression were also performed for mechanism studies. KEY RESULTS Gavage protopanaxadiol remarkably produces pain antihypersensitive effects in neuropathic pain, bone cancer pain and inflammatory pain, with efficacy comparable with gabapentin. Long-term PPD administration does not induce antihypersensitive tolerance, but prevents and reverses the development and expression of morphine analgesic tolerance. Oral protopanaxadiol specifically stimulates spinal expression of dynorphin A in microglia but not in astrocytes or neurons. Protopanaxadiol gavage-related pain antihypersensitivity is abolished by the intrathecal pretreatment with the microglial metabolic inhibitor minocycline, dynorphin antiserum or specific κ-opioid receptor antagonist GNTI. Intrathecal pretreatment with glucocorticoid receptor)antagonists RU486 and dexamethasone-21-mesylate, but not GPR-30 antagonist G15 or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone, completely attenuates protopanaxadiol-induced spinal dynorphin A expression and pain antihypersensitivity in neuropathic pain. Treatment with protopanaxadiol, the glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone and membrane-impermeable glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone-BSA in cultured microglia induces remarkable dynorphin A expression, which is totally blocked by pretreatment with dexamthasone-21-mesylate. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS All the results, for the first time, indicate that protopanaxadiol produces pain antihypersensitivity in neuropathic pain probably through spinal microglial dynorphin A expression after glucocorticoid receptor activation and hypothesize that microglial membrane glucocorticoid receptor/dynorphin A pathway is a potential target to discover and develop novel painkillers in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khalil Ali Ahmad
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
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8
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Spetea M, Schmidhammer H. Kappa Opioid Receptor Ligands and Pharmacology: Diphenethylamines, a Class of Structurally Distinct, Selective Kappa Opioid Ligands. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 271:163-195. [PMID: 33454858 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_431] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The kappa opioid receptor (KOR), a G protein-coupled receptor, and its endogenous ligands, the dynorphins, are prominent members of the opioid neuromodulatory system. The endogenous kappa opioid system is expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and has a key role in modulating pain in central and peripheral neuronal circuits and a wide array of physiological functions and neuropsychiatric behaviors (e.g., stress, reward, emotion, motivation, cognition, epileptic seizures, itch, and diuresis). We review the latest advances in pharmacology of the KOR, chemical developments on KOR ligands with advances and challenges, and therapeutic and potential applications of KOR ligands. Diverse discovery strategies of KOR ligands targeting natural, naturally derived, and synthetic compounds with different scaffolds, as small molecules or peptides, with short or long-acting pharmacokinetics, and central or peripheral site of action, are discussed. These research efforts led to ligands with distinct pharmacological properties, as agonists, partial agonists, biased agonists, and antagonists. Differential modulation of KOR signaling represents a promising strategy for developing pharmacotherapies for several human diseases, either by activating (treatment of pain, pruritus, and epilepsy) or blocking (treatment of depression, anxiety, and addiction) the receptor. We focus on the recent chemical and pharmacological advances on diphenethylamines, a new class of structurally distinct, selective KOR ligands. Design strategies and investigations to define structure-activity relationships together with in vivo pharmacology of diphenethylamines as agonists, biased agonists, and antagonists and their potential use as therapeutics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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9
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Bulleyaconitine A Inhibits Visceral Nociception and Spinal Synaptic Plasticity through Stimulation of Microglial Release of Dynorphin A. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:1484087. [PMID: 32565774 PMCID: PMC7262664 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1484087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral pain is one of the most common types of pain and particularly in the abdomen is associated with gastrointestinal diseases. Bulleyaconitine A (BAA), isolated from Aconitum bulleyanum, is prescribed in China to treat chronic pain. The present study is aimed at evaluating the mechanisms underlying BAA visceral antinociception. Methods The rat model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity was set up by colonic perfusion of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) on postnatal day 10 with coapplication of heterotypic intermittent chronic stress (HeICS). Results The rat model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity exhibited remarkable abdominal withdrawal responses and mechanical hyperalgesia in hind paws, which were dose-dependently attenuated by single subcutaneous of administration of BAA (30 and 90 μg/kg). Pretreatment with the microglial inhibitor minocycline, dynorphin A antiserum, and κ-opioid receptor antagonist totally blocked BAA-induced visceral antinociception and mechanical antihyperalgesia. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in spinal dorsal horn lamina II neurons were recorded by using whole-cell patch clamp. Its frequency (but not amplitude) from TNBS-treated rats was remarkably higher than that from naïve rats. BAA (1 μM) significantly reduced the frequency of sEPSCs from TNBS-treated rats but not naïve rats. BAA-inhibited spinal synaptic plasticity was blocked by minocycline, the dynorphin A antiserum, and κ-opioid receptor antagonist. Dynorphin A also inhibited spinal synaptic plasticity in a κ-opioid receptor-dependent manner. Conclusions These results suggest that BAA produces visceral antinociception by stimulating spinal microglial release of dynorphin A, which activates presynaptic κ-opioid receptors in afferent neurons and inhibits spinal synaptic plasticity, highlighting a novel interaction mode between microglia and neurons.
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10
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Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Wtorek K, Janecka A. Biased Agonism as an Emerging Strategy in the Search for Better Opioid Analgesics. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1562-1575. [PMID: 31057099 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190506103124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Morphine and related drugs that act through activating opioid receptors are the most effective analgesics for the relief of severe pain. They have been used for decades, despite the range of unwanted side effects that they produce, as no alternative has been found so far. The major goal of opioid research is to understand the mechanism of action of opioid receptor agonists and to improve the therapeutic utility of opioid drugs. In the search for safer and more potent analgesics, analogs with mixed opioid receptor profile gained a lot of interest. However, recently the concept of biased agonism, that highlights the fact that some ligands are able to differentially activate receptor downstream pathways, became a new approach in the design of novel drug candidates for clinical application. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the development of opioid ligands of peptide and nonpeptide structure, showing how much opioid pharmacology evolved in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
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11
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Meloni BP, Mastaglia FL, Knuckey NW. Cationic Arginine-Rich Peptides (CARPs): A Novel Class of Neuroprotective Agents With a Multimodal Mechanism of Action. Front Neurol 2020; 11:108. [PMID: 32158425 PMCID: PMC7052017 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are virtually no clinically available neuroprotective drugs for the treatment of acute and chronic neurological disorders, hence there is an urgent need for the development of new neuroprotective molecules. Cationic arginine-rich peptides (CARPs) are an expanding and relatively novel class of compounds, which possess intrinsic neuroprotective properties. Intriguingly, CARPs possess a combination of biological properties unprecedented for a neuroprotective agent including the ability to traverse cell membranes and enter the CNS, antagonize calcium influx, target mitochondria, stabilize proteins, inhibit proteolytic enzymes, induce pro-survival signaling, scavenge toxic molecules, and reduce oxidative stress as well as, having a range of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer actions. CARPs have also been used as carrier molecules for the delivery of other putative neuroprotective agents across the blood-brain barrier and blood-spinal cord barrier. However, there is increasing evidence that the neuroprotective efficacy of many, if not all these other agents delivered using a cationic arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide (CCPPs) carrier (e.g., TAT) may actually be mediated largely by the properties of the carrier molecule, with overall efficacy further enhanced according to the amino acid composition of the cargo peptide, in particular its arginine content. Therefore, in reviewing the neuroprotective mechanisms of action of CARPs we also consider studies using CCPPs fused to a putative neuroprotective peptide. We review the history of CARPs in neuroprotection and discuss in detail the intrinsic biological properties that may contribute to their cytoprotective effects and their usefulness as a broad-acting class of neuroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P Meloni
- Department of Neurosurgery, QEII Medical Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Neville W Knuckey
- Department of Neurosurgery, QEII Medical Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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12
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Erli F, Guerrieri E, Ben Haddou T, Lantero A, Mairegger M, Schmidhammer H, Spetea M. Highly Potent and Selective New Diphenethylamines Interacting with the κ-Opioid Receptor: Synthesis, Pharmacology, and Structure-Activity Relationships. J Med Chem 2017; 60:7579-7590. [PMID: 28825813 PMCID: PMC5601360 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported on a series of small molecules targeting the κ-opioid (KOP) receptor featuring a diphenethylamine scaffold and showed the promise of these ligands as effective analgesics with reduced liability for adverse effects. This study expands the structure-activity relationships on our original series by presenting several modifications in the lead compounds 1 (HS665) and 2 (HS666). A library of new diphenethylamines was designed, synthesized, and pharmacologically evaluated. In comparison with 1 and 2, the KOP receptor affinity, selectivity, and agonist activity were modulated by introducing bulkier N-substituents, a 2-fluoro substitution, and additional hydroxyl groups at positions 3' and 4'. Several analogues showed subnanomolar affinity and excellent KOP receptor selectivity acting as full or partial agonists, and one as an antagonist. The new diphenethylamines displayed antinociceptive efficacies with increased potencies than U50,488, 1 and 2 in the writhing assay and without inducing motor dysfunction after sc administration in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Erli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elena Guerrieri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tanila Ben Haddou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Aquilino Lantero
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Mairegger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Schmidhammer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck , Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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13
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Li W, Long JD, Qian YY, Long Y, Xu XJ, Wang YJ, Shen Q, Wang ZN, Yang XC, Xiao L, Sun HP, Xu YL, Chen YY, Xie Q, Wang YH, Shao LM, Liu JG, Qiu ZB, Fu W. The Pharmacological Heterogeneity of Nepenthone Analogs in Conferring Highly Selective and Potent κ-Opioid Agonistic Activities. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:766-776. [PMID: 28033462 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To develop novel analgesics with no side effects or less side effects than traditional opioids is highly demanded to treat opioid receptor mediated pain and addiction issues. Recently, κ-opioid receptor (KOR) has been established as an attractive target, although its selective agonists could bear heterogeneous pharmacological activities. In this study, we designed and synthesized two new series of nepenthone derivatives by inserting a spacer (carbonyl) between 6α,14α-endo-ethenylthebaine and the 7α-phenyl substitution of the skeleton and by substituting the 17-N-methyl group with a cyclopropylmethyl group. We performed in vitro tests (binding and functional assays) and molecular docking operations on our newly designed compounds. The results of wet-experimental measures and modeled binding structures demonstrate that these new compounds are selective KOR agonists with nanomolar level affinities. Compound 4 from these new derivatives showed the highest affinity (Ki = 0.4 ± 0.1 nM) and the highest selectivity (μ/κ = 339, δ/κ = 2034) toward KOR. The in vivo tests revealed that compound 4 is able to induce stronger (ED50 = 2.1 mg/kg) and much longer antinociceptive effect than that of the typical KOR agonist U50488H (ED50 = 4.4 mg/kg). Therefore, compound 4 can be used as a perfect lead compound for future design of potent analgesics acting through KOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jian-Dong Long
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Qian
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yu Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xue-Jun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yu-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qing Shen
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zuo-Neng Wang
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xi-Cheng Yang
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hong-Peng Sun
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yu-Long Xu
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yi-Yi Chen
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qiong Xie
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yong-Hui Wang
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Li-Ming Shao
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing-Gen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhui-Bai Qiu
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Medicinal
Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
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Wang Y, Yang J, Liu X, Zhao L, Yang D, Zhou J, Wang D, Mou L, Wang R. Endomorphin-1 analogs containing α-methyl-β-amino acids exhibit potent analgesic activity after peripheral administration. Org Biomol Chem 2017; 15:4951-4955. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ob01115f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
C-Terminal substitution with aromatic β2,3-amino acids can improve the bioactivity and bioavailability of endomorphin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Junxian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Long Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Dongxu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Dan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Lingyun Mou
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
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