1
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Mahdavi K, Zendehdel M, Zarei H. The role of central neurotransmitters in appetite regulation of broilers and layers: similarities and differences. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1313-1328. [PMID: 38286893 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10312-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The importance of feeding as a vital physiological function, on the one hand, and the spread of complications induced by its disorder in humans and animals, on the other hand, have led to extensive research on its regulatory factors. Unfortunately, despite many studies focused on appetite, only limited experiments have been conducted on avian, and our knowledge of this species is scant. Considering this, the purpose of this review article is to examine the role of central neurotransmitters in regulating food consumption in broilers and layers and highlight the similarities and differences between these two strains. The methodology of this review study includes a comprehensive search of relevant literature on the topic using appropriate keywords in reliable electronic databases. Based on the findings, the central effect of most neurotransmitters on the feeding of broilers and laying chickens was similar, but in some cases, such as dopamine, ghrelin, nitric oxide, and agouti-related peptide, differences were observed. Also, the lack of conducting a study on the role of some neurotransmitters in one of the bird strains made it impossible to make an exact comparison. Finally, it seems that although there are general similarities in appetite regulatory mechanisms in meat and egg-type chickens, the long-term genetic selection appropriate to breeding goals (meat or egg production) has caused differences in the effect of some neurotransmitters. Undoubtedly, conducting future studies while completing the missing links can lead to a comprehensive understanding of this process and its manipulation according to the breeding purposes of chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Mahdavi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, 14155-6453, Iran
| | - Morteza Zendehdel
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, 14155-6453, Iran.
| | - Hamed Zarei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Bates JN, Getsy PM, Coffee GA, Baby SM, MacFarlane PM, Hsieh YH, Knauss ZT, Bubier JA, Mueller D, Lewis SJ. Lipophilic analogues of D-cysteine prevent and reverse physical dependence to fentanyl in male rats. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1336440. [PMID: 38645835 PMCID: PMC11026688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1336440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We examined whether co-injections of the cell-permeant D-cysteine analogues, D-cysteine ethyl ester (D-CYSee) and D-cysteine ethyl amide (D-CYSea), prevent acquisition of physical dependence induced by twice-daily injections of fentanyl, and reverse acquired dependence to these injections in freely-moving male Sprague Dawley rats. Injection of the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone HCl (NLX, 1.5 mg/kg, IV), elicited a series of withdrawal phenomena that included cardiorespiratory and behavioral responses, and falls in body weight and body temperature, in rats that received 5 or 10 injections of fentanyl (125 μg/kg, IV), and the same number of vehicle co-injections. Regarding the development of physical dependence, the NLX-precipitated withdrawal phenomena were markedly reduced in fentanyl-injected rats that had received co-injections of D-CYSee (250 μmol/kg, IV) or D-CYSea (100 μmol/kg, IV), but not D-cysteine (250 μmol/kg, IV). Regarding reversal of established dependence to fentanyl, the NLX-precipitated withdrawal phenomena in rats that had received 10 injections of fentanyl (125 μg/kg, IV) was markedly reduced in rats that received co-injections of D-CYSee (250 μmol/kg, IV) or D-CYSea (100 μmol/kg, IV), but not D-cysteine (250 μmol/kg, IV), starting with injection 6 of fentanyl. This study provides evidence that co-injections of D-CYSee and D-CYSea prevent the acquisition of physical dependence, and reverse acquired dependence to fentanyl in male rats. The lack of effect of D-cysteine suggests that the enhanced cell-penetrability of D-CYSee and D-CYSea into cells, particularly within the brain, is key to their ability to interact with intracellular signaling events involved in acquisition to physical dependence to fentanyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N. Bates
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Paulina M. Getsy
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Gregory A. Coffee
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Santhosh M. Baby
- Section of Biology, Galleon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Horsham, PA, United States
| | - Peter M. MacFarlane
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Yee-Hsee Hsieh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Zackery T. Knauss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | | | - Devin Mueller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Stephen J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Functional Electrical Stimulation Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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3
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Baby SM, May WJ, Young AP, Wilson CG, Getsy PM, Coffee GA, Lewis THJ, Hsieh YH, Bates JN, Lewis SJ. L-cysteine ethylester reverses the adverse effects of morphine on breathing and arterial blood-gas chemistry while minimally affecting antinociception in unanesthetized rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116081. [PMID: 38219385 PMCID: PMC10922989 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116081] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
L-cysteine ethylester (L-CYSee) is a membrane-permeable analogue of L-cysteine with a variety of pharmacological effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of L-CYSee on morphine-induced changes in ventilation, arterial-blood gas (ABG) chemistry, Alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient (i.e., a measure of the index of alveolar gas-exchange), antinociception and sedation in male Sprague Dawley rats. An injection of morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) produced adverse effects on breathing, including sustained decreases in minute ventilation. L-CYSee (500 μmol/kg, IV) given 15 min later immediately reversed the actions of morphine. Another injection of L-CYSee (500 μmol/kg, IV) after 15 min elicited more pronounced excitatory ventilatory responses. L-CYSee (250 or 500 μmol/kg, IV) elicited a rapid and prolonged reversal of the actions of morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) on ABG chemistry (pH, pCO2, pO2, sO2) and A-a gradient. L-serine ethylester (an oxygen atom replaces the sulfur; 500 μmol/kg, IV), was ineffective in all studies. L-CYSee (500 μmol/kg, IV) did not alter morphine (10 mg/kg, IV)-induced sedation, but slightly reduced the overall duration of morphine (5 or 10 mg/kg, IV)-induced analgesia. In summary, L-CYSee rapidly overcame the effects of morphine on breathing and alveolar gas-exchange, while not affecting morphine sedation or early-stage analgesia. The mechanisms by which L-CYSee modulates morphine depression of breathing are unknown, but appear to require thiol-dependent processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santhosh M Baby
- Department of Drug Discovery, Galleon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Horsham, PA, USA
| | - Walter J May
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Alex P Young
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Christopher G Wilson
- Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, USA
| | - Paulina M Getsy
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gregory A Coffee
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Yee-Hee Hsieh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James N Bates
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Stephen J Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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4
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Bates JN, Getsy PM, Coffee GA, Baby SM, MacFarlane PM, Hsieh YH, Knauss ZT, Bubier JA, Mueller D, Lewis SJ. L-cysteine ethyl ester prevents and reverses acquired physical dependence on morphine in male Sprague Dawley rats. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1303207. [PMID: 38111383 PMCID: PMC10726967 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1303207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of addiction/dependence on morphine may result from the ability of the opioid to diminish the transport of L-cysteine into neurons via inhibition of excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAA3). The objective of this study was to determine whether the co-administration of the cell-penetrant L-thiol ester, L-cysteine ethyl ester (L-CYSee), would reduce physical dependence on morphine in male Sprague Dawley rats. Injection of the opioid-receptor antagonist, naloxone HCl (NLX; 1.5 mg/kg, IP), elicited pronounced withdrawal phenomena in rats which received a subcutaneous depot of morphine (150 mg/kg) for 36 h and were receiving a continuous infusion of saline (20 μL/h, IV) via osmotic minipumps for the same 36 h period. The withdrawal phenomena included wet-dog shakes, jumping, rearing, fore-paw licking, 360° circling, writhing, apneas, cardiovascular (pressor and tachycardia) responses, hypothermia, and body weight loss. NLX elicited substantially reduced withdrawal syndrome in rats that received an infusion of L-CYSee (20.8 μmol/kg/h, IV) for 36 h. NLX precipitated a marked withdrawal syndrome in rats that had received subcutaneous depots of morphine (150 mg/kg) for 48 h) and a co-infusion of vehicle. However, the NLX-precipitated withdrawal signs were markedly reduced in morphine (150 mg/kg for 48 h)-treated rats that began receiving an infusion of L-CYSee (20.8 μmol/kg/h, IV) at 36 h. In similar studies to those described previously, neither L-cysteine nor L-serine ethyl ester (both at 20.8 μmol/kg/h, IV) mimicked the effects of L-CYSee. This study demonstrates that 1) L-CYSee attenuates the development of physical dependence on morphine in male rats and 2) prior administration of L-CYSee reverses morphine dependence, most likely by intracellular actions within the brain. The lack of the effect of L-serine ethyl ester (oxygen atom instead of sulfur atom) strongly implicates thiol biochemistry in the efficacy of L-CYSee. Accordingly, L-CYSee and analogs may be a novel class of therapeutics that ameliorate the development of physical dependence on opioids in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N. Bates
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Paulina M. Getsy
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Gregory A. Coffee
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Santhosh M. Baby
- Section of Biology, Galleon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Horsham, PA, United States
| | - Peter M. MacFarlane
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Yee-Hsee Hsieh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Zackery T. Knauss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | | | - Devin Mueller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Stephen J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Functional Electrical Stimulation Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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5
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Jaster AM, González-Maeso J. Mechanisms and molecular targets surrounding the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3595-3612. [PMID: 37759040 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics, also known as classical hallucinogens, have been investigated for decades due to their potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders. The results from clinical trials have shown promise for the use of psychedelics to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as to promote substantial decreases in the use of nicotine and alcohol. While these studies provide compelling evidence for the powerful subjective experience and prolonged therapeutic adaptations, the underlying molecular reasons for these robust and clinically meaningful improvements are still poorly understood. Preclinical studies assessing the targets and circuitry of the post-acute effects of classical psychedelics are ongoing. Current literature is split between a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR)-dependent or -independent signaling pathway, as researchers are attempting to harness the mechanisms behind the sustained post-acute therapeutically relevant effects. A combination of molecular, behavioral, and genetic techniques in neuropharmacology has begun to show promise for elucidating these mechanisms. As the field progresses, increasing evidence points towards the importance of the subjective experience induced by psychedelic-assisted therapy, but without further cross validation between clinical and preclinical research, the why behind the experience and its translational validity may be lost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina M Jaster
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Javier González-Maeso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
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6
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Malcolm NJ, Palkovic B, Sprague DJ, Calkins MM, Lanham JK, Halberstadt AL, Stucke AG, McCorvy JD. Mu-opioid receptor selective superagonists produce prolonged respiratory depression. iScience 2023; 26:107121. [PMID: 37416459 PMCID: PMC10320493 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic opioids are increasingly challenging to combat the opioid epidemic and act primarily at opioid receptors, chiefly the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) μ-opioid receptor (MOR), which signals through G protein-dependent and β-arrestin pathways. Using a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) system, we investigate GPCR-signaling profiles by synthetic nitazenes, which are known to cause overdose and death due to respiratory depression. We show that isotonitazene and its metabolite, N-desethyl isotonitazene, are very potent MOR-selective superagonists, surpassing both DAMGO G protein and β-arrestin recruitment activity, which are properties distinct from other conventional opioids. Both isotonitazene and N-desethyl isotonitazene show high potency in mouse analgesia tail-flick assays, but N-desethyl isotonitazene shows longer-lasting respiratory depression compared to fentanyl. Overall, our results suggest that potent MOR-selective superagonists may be a pharmacological property predictive of prolonged respiratory depression resulting in fatal consequences and should be examined for future opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Malcolm
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Barbara Palkovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Daniel J. Sprague
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Maggie M. Calkins
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Janelle K. Lanham
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Adam L. Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
| | - Astrid G. Stucke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - John D. McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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7
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Szumiec L, Bugno R, Szumiec L, Przewlocki R. The Differential Influence of PZM21, A Nonrewarding μ-opioid Receptor Agonist With G Protein Bias, on Behavioural Despair and Fear Response in Mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 449:114466. [PMID: 37146718 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence points out the involvement of the µ-opioid receptors in the modulation of stress-related behaviour. It has been suggested that µ-opioid receptor agonists may attenuate behavioural despair following animals' exposure to an acute, inescapable stressor. Moreover, morphine was shown to ameliorate fear memories caused by a traumatic experience. As typical µ-opioid receptor agonists entail a risk of serious side effects and addiction, novel, possibly safer and less addictive agonists of this receptor are currently under investigation. One of them, PZM21, preferentially acting via the G protein signalling pathway, was previously shown to be analgesic, but less addictive than morphine. Here, we aimed to further test this ligand in stress-related behavioural paradigms in mice. The study has shown that, unlike morphine, PZM21 does not decrease immobility in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. On the other hand, we observed that both mice treated with PZM21 and those receiving morphine presented a slight attenuation of freezing across the consecutive fear memory retrievals in the fear conditioning test. Therefore, our study implies that at the range of tested doses, PZM21, a nonrewarding representative of G protein-biased µ-opioid receptor agonists, may interfere with fear memory consolidation while having no beneficial effects on behavioural despair in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucja Szumiec
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Ryszard Bugno
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Lukasz Szumiec
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ryszard Przewlocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
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8
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Bateman JT, Saunders SE, Levitt ES. Understanding and countering opioid-induced respiratory depression. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:813-828. [PMID: 34089181 PMCID: PMC8997313 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory depression is the proximal cause of death in opioid overdose, yet the mechanisms underlying this potentially fatal outcome are not well understood. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms of opioid-induced respiratory depression, which could lead to improved therapeutic options to counter opioid overdose, as well as other detrimental effects of opioids on breathing. The development of tolerance in the respiratory system is also discussed, as are differences in the degree of respiratory depression caused by various opioid agonists. Finally, potential future therapeutic agents aimed at reversing or avoiding opioid-induced respiratory depression through non-opioid receptor targets are in development and could provide certain advantages over naloxone. By providing an overview of mechanisms and effects of opioids in the respiratory network, this review will benefit future research on countering opioid-induced respiratory depression. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan T Bateman
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sandy E Saunders
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Erica S Levitt
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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9
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López-Cano M, Font J, Aso E, Sahlholm K, Cabré G, Giraldo J, De Koninck Y, Hernando J, Llebaria A, Fernández-Dueñas V, Ciruela F. Remote local photoactivation of morphine produces analgesia without opioid-related adverse effects. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:958-974. [PMID: 34363210 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Opioid-based drugs are the gold standard medicines for pain relief. However, tolerance and several side effects (i.e. constipation and dependence) may occur upon chronic opioid administration. Photopharmacology is a promising approach to improve the benefit/risk profiles of these drugs. Thus, opioids can be locally activated with high spatiotemporal resolution, potentially minimizing systemic-mediated adverse effects. Here, we aimed at developing a morphine photo-derivative (photocaged morphine), which can be activated upon light irradiation both in vitro and in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Light-dependent activity of pc-morphine was assessed in cell-based assays (intracellular calcium accumulation and electrophysiology) and in mice (formalin animal model of pain). In addition, tolerance, constipation and dependence were investigated in vivo using experimental paradigms. KEY RESULTS In mice, pc-morphine was able to elicit antinociceptive effects, both using external light-irradiation (hind paw) and spinal cord implanted fibre-optics. In addition, remote morphine photoactivation was devoid of common systemic opioid-related undesired effects, namely, constipation, tolerance to the analgesic effects, rewarding effects and naloxone-induced withdrawal. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Light-dependent opioid-based drugs may allow effective analgesia without the occurrence of tolerance or the associated and severe opioid-related undesired effects. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc López-Cano
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Neuropharmacology & Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Font
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Ester Aso
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Neuropharmacology & Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kristoffer Sahlholm
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Neuropharmacology & Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gisela Cabré
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yves De Koninck
- Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Québec, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jordi Hernando
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Amadeu Llebaria
- MCS, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Fernández-Dueñas
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Neuropharmacology & Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Ciruela
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Neuropharmacology & Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical Research, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Qu Q, Huang W, Aydin D, Paggi JM, Seven AB, Wang H, Chakraborty S, Che T, DiBerto JF, Robertson MJ, Inoue A, Suomivuori CM, Roth BL, Majumdar S, Dror RO, Kobilka BK, Skiniotis G. Insights into distinct signaling profiles of the µOR activated by diverse agonists. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:423-430. [PMID: 36411392 PMCID: PMC11098091 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01208-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Drugs targeting the μ-opioid receptor (μOR) are the most effective analgesics available but are also associated with fatal respiratory depression through a pathway that remains unclear. Here we investigated the mechanistic basis of action of lofentanil (LFT) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP), two μOR agonists with different safety profiles. LFT, one of the most lethal opioids, and MP, a kratom plant derivative with reduced respiratory depression in animal studies, exhibited markedly different efficacy profiles for G protein subtype activation and β-arrestin recruitment. Cryo-EM structures of μOR-Gi1 complex with MP (2.5 Å) and LFT (3.2 Å) revealed that the two ligands engage distinct subpockets, and molecular dynamics simulations showed additional differences in the binding site that promote distinct active-state conformations on the intracellular side of the receptor where G proteins and β-arrestins bind. These observations highlight how drugs engaging different parts of the μOR orthosteric pocket can lead to distinct signaling outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Qu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Systems Biology for Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijiao Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Deniz Aydin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joseph M Paggi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alpay B Seven
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Haoqing Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Soumen Chakraborty
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tao Che
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey F DiBerto
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael J Robertson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Carl-Mikael Suomivuori
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Ron O Dror
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Brian K Kobilka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Georgios Skiniotis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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11
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Kelly E, Conibear A, Henderson G. Biased Agonism: Lessons from Studies of Opioid Receptor Agonists. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:491-515. [PMID: 36170657 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-052120-091058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In ligand bias different agonist drugs are thought to produce distinct signaling outputs when activating the same receptor. If these signaling outputs mediate therapeutic versus adverse drug effects, then agonists that selectively activate the therapeutic signaling pathway would be extremely beneficial. It has long been thought that μ-opioid receptor agonists that selectively activate G protein- over β-arrestin-dependent signaling pathways would produce effective analgesia without the adverse effects such as respiratory depression. However, more recent data indicate that most of the therapeutic and adverse effects of agonist-induced activation of the μ-opioid receptor are actually mediated by the G protein-dependent signaling pathway, and that a number of drugs described as G protein biased in fact may not be biased, but instead may be low-intrinsic-efficacy agonists. In this review we discuss the current state of the field of bias at the μ-opioid receptor and other opioid receptor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn Kelly
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;
| | - Alexandra Conibear
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;
| | - Graeme Henderson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom;
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12
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Opioid-Modulated Receptor Localization and Erk1/2 Phosphorylation in Cells Coexpressing μ-Opioid and Nociceptin Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021048. [PMID: 36674576 PMCID: PMC9865058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We attempted to examine the alterations elicited by opioids via coexpressed μ-opioid (MOP) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptors for receptor localization and Erk1/2 (p44/42 MAPK) in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Through two-photon microscopy, the proximity of MOP and NOP receptors was verified by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and morphine but not buprenorphine facilitated the process of MOP-NOP heterodimerization. Single-particle tracking (SPT) further revealed that morphine or buprenorphine hindered the movement of the MOP-NOP heterodimers. After exposure to morphine or buprenorphine, receptor localization on lipid rafts was detected by immunocytochemistry, and phosphorylation of Erk1/2 was determined by immunoblotting in HEK 293 cells expressing MOP, NOP, or MOP+NOP receptors. Colocalization of MOP and NOP on lipid rafts was enhanced by morphine but not buprenorphine. Morphine stimulated the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 with a similar potency in HEK 293 cells expressing MOP and MOP+NOP receptors, but buprenorphine appeared to activate Erk1/2 solely through NOP receptors. Our results suggest that opioids can fine-tune the cellular localization of opioid receptors and phosphorylation of Erk1/2 in MOP+NOP-expressing cells.
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13
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Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Malfacini D, Djeujo FM, Marconato C, Wtorek K, Calo' G, Janecka A. Functional selectivity of EM-2 analogs at the mu-opioid receptor. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1133961. [PMID: 36909169 PMCID: PMC9998502 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1133961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The mu opioid receptor agonists are the most efficacious pain controlling agents but their use is accompanied by severe side effects. More recent developments indicate that some ligands can differentially activate receptor downstream pathways, possibly allowing for dissociation of analgesia mediated through the G protein from the opioid-related side effects mediated by β-arrestin pathway. In an effort to identify such biased ligands, here we present a series of thirteen endomorphin-2 (EM-2) analogs with modifications in positions 1, 2, and/or 3. All obtained analogs behaved as mu receptor selective agonists in calcium mobilization assay carried out on cells expressing opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins. A Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) approach was employed to determine the ability of analogs to promote the interaction of the mu opioid receptor with G protein or β-arrestin 2. Nearly half of the developed analogs showed strong bias towards G protein, in addition four compounds were nearly inactive towards β-arrestin 2 recruitment while blocking the propensity of EM-2 to evoke mu-β-arrestin 2 interaction. The data presented here contribute to our understanding of EM-2 interaction with the mu opioid receptor and of the transductional propagation of the signal. In addition, the generation of potent and selective mu receptor agonists strongly biased towards G protein provides the scientific community with novel tools to investigate the in vivo consequences of biased agonism at this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francine Medjiofack Djeujo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chantal Marconato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Girolamo Calo'
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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14
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Gaitonde SA, Bouvier M. Enhanced Bystander BRET (ebBRET) Biosensors as Biophysical Tools to Map the Signaling Profile of Neuropsychiatric Drugs Targeting GPCRs. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2687:15-30. [PMID: 37464159 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3307-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) is a non-radiative energy transfer between a bioluminescent donor and a fluorescent acceptor with far-reaching applications in detecting physiologically relevant protein-protein interactions. The recently developed enhanced bystander BRET (ebBRET) biosensors have made it possible to rapidly determine the signaling profile of a series of ligands across a large number of GPCRs and their signaling repertoires, which has tremendous implications in the drug discovery process. Here we describe BRET and the ebBRET biosensors as investigational tools in establishing functional selectivity downstream of GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya A Gaitonde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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15
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Dumitrascuta M, Martin C, Ballet S, Spetea M. Bifunctional Peptidomimetic G Protein-Biased Mu-Opioid Receptor Agonist and Neuropeptide FF Receptor Antagonist KGFF09 Shows Efficacy in Visceral Pain without Rewarding Effects after Subcutaneous Administration in Mice. Molecules 2022; 27:8785. [PMID: 36557917 PMCID: PMC9780937 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is still an unmet clinical need to develop new pharmaceuticals for effective and safe pain management. Current pharmacotherapy offers unsatisfactory solutions due to serious side effects related to the chronic use of opioid drugs. Prescription opioids produce analgesia through activation of the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and are major contributors to the current opioid crisis. Multifunctional ligands possessing activity at more than one receptor represent a prominent therapeutic approach for the treatment of pain with fewer adverse effects. We recently reported on the design of a bifunctional MOR agonist/neuropeptide FF receptor (NPFFR) antagonist peptididomimetic, KGFF09 (H-Dmt-DArg-Aba-βAla-Bpa-Phe-NH2), and its antinociceptive effects after subcutaneous (s.c.) administration in acute and persistent pain in mice with reduced propensity for unwanted side effects. In this study, we further investigated the antinociceptive properties of KGFF09 in a mouse model of visceral pain after s.c. administration and the potential for opioid-related liabilities of rewarding and sedation/locomotor dysfunction following chronic treatment. KGFF09 produced a significant dose-dependent inhibition of the writhing behavior in the acetic acid-induced writhing assay with increased potency when compared to morphine. We also demonstrated the absence of harmful effects caused by typical MOR agonists, i.e., rewarding effects (conditioned-place preference test) and sedation/locomotor impairment (open-field test), at a dose shown to be highly effective in inhibiting pain behavior. Consequently, KGFF09 displayed a favorable benefit/side effect ratio regarding these opioid-related side effects compared to conventional opioid analgesics, such as morphine, underlining the development of dual MOR agonists/NPFFR antagonists as improved treatments for various pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dumitrascuta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - 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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16
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Lewis TH, May WJ, Young AP, Bates JN, Baby SM, Getsy PM, Ryan RM, Hsieh YH, Seckler JM, Lewis SJ. The ventilatory depressant actions but not the antinociceptive effects of morphine are blunted in rats receiving intravenous infusion of L-cysteine ethyl ester. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113939. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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17
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Getsy PM, Baby SM, May WJ, Bates JN, Ellis CR, Feasel MG, Wilson CG, Lewis THJ, Gaston B, Hsieh YH, Lewis SJ. L-cysteine methyl ester overcomes the deleterious effects of morphine on ventilatory parameters and arterial blood-gas chemistry in unanesthetized rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:968378. [PMID: 36249760 PMCID: PMC9554613 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.968378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We are developing a series of thiolesters that produce an immediate and sustained reversal of the deleterious effects of opioids, such as morphine and fentanyl, on ventilation without diminishing the antinociceptive effects of these opioids. We report here the effects of systemic injections of L-cysteine methyl ester (L-CYSme) on morphine-induced changes in ventilatory parameters, arterial-blood gas (ABG) chemistry (pH, pCO2, pO2, sO2), Alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient (i.e., the index of alveolar gas-exchange within the lungs), and antinociception in unanesthetized Sprague Dawley rats. The administration of morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) produced a series of deleterious effects on ventilatory parameters, including sustained decreases in tidal volume, minute ventilation, inspiratory drive and peak inspiratory flow that were accompanied by a sustained increase in end inspiratory pause. A single injection of L-CYSme (500 μmol/kg, IV) produced a rapid and long-lasting reversal of the deleterious effects of morphine on ventilatory parameters, and a second injection of L-CYSme (500 μmol/kg, IV) elicited pronounced increases in ventilatory parameters, such as minute ventilation, to values well above pre-morphine levels. L-CYSme (250 or 500 μmol/kg, IV) also produced an immediate and sustained reversal of the deleterious effects of morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) on arterial blood pH, pCO2, pO2, sO2 and A-a gradient, whereas L-cysteine (500 μmol/kg, IV) itself was inactive. L-CYSme (500 μmol/kg, IV) did not appear to modulate the sedative effects of morphine as measured by righting reflex times, but did diminish the duration, however, not the magnitude of the antinociceptive actions of morphine (5 or 10 mg/kg, IV) as determined in tail-flick latency and hindpaw-withdrawal latency assays. These findings provide evidence that L-CYSme can powerfully overcome the deleterious effects of morphine on breathing and gas-exchange in Sprague Dawley rats while not affecting the sedative or early stage antinociceptive effects of the opioid. The mechanisms by which L-CYSme interferes with the OR-induced signaling pathways that mediate the deleterious effects of morphine on ventilatory performance, and by which L-CYSme diminishes the late stage antinociceptive action of morphine remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina M. Getsy
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Paulina M. Getsy,
| | | | - Walter J. May
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - James N. Bates
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Christopher R. Ellis
- United States Army CCDC Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
| | - Michael G. Feasel
- United States Army CCDC Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States
| | - Christopher G. Wilson
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Tristan H. J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Benjamin Gaston
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yee-Hsee Hsieh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Stephen J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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18
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Getsy PM, Baby SM, May WJ, Young AP, Gaston B, Hodges MR, Forster HV, Bates JN, Wilson CG, Lewis THJ, Hsieh YH, Lewis SJ. D-Cysteine Ethyl Ester Reverses the Deleterious Effects of Morphine on Breathing and Arterial Blood-Gas Chemistry in Freely-Moving Rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:883329. [PMID: 35814208 PMCID: PMC9260251 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.883329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrant thiol esters including the disulfides, D-cystine diethyl ester and D-cystine dimethyl ester, and the monosulfide, L-glutathione ethyl ester, prevent and/or reverse the deleterious effects of opioids, such as morphine and fentanyl, on breathing and gas exchange within the lungs of unanesthetized/unrestrained rats without diminishing the antinociceptive or sedative effects of opioids. We describe here the effects of the monosulfide thiol ester, D-cysteine ethyl ester (D-CYSee), on intravenous morphine-induced changes in ventilatory parameters, arterial blood-gas chemistry, alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient (i.e., index of gas exchange in the lungs), and sedation and antinociception in freely-moving rats. The bolus injection of morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) elicited deleterious effects on breathing, including depression of tidal volume, minute ventilation, peak inspiratory flow, and inspiratory drive. Subsequent injections of D-CYSee (2 × 500 μmol/kg, IV, given 15 min apart) elicited an immediate and sustained reversal of these effects of morphine. Morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) also A-a gradient, which caused a mismatch in ventilation perfusion within the lungs, and elicited pronounced changes in arterial blood-gas chemistry, including pronounced decreases in arterial blood pH, pO2 and sO2, and equally pronounced increases in pCO2 (all responses indicative of decreased ventilatory drive). These deleterious effects of morphine were immediately reversed by the injection of a single dose of D-CYSee (500 μmol/kg, IV). Importantly, the sedation and antinociception elicited by morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) were minimally affected by D-CYSee (500 μmol/kg, IV). In contrast, none of the effects of morphine were affected by administration of the parent thiol, D-cysteine (1 or 2 doses of 500 μmol/kg, IV). Taken together, these data suggest that D-CYSee may exert its beneficial effects via entry into cells that mediate the deleterious effects of opioids on breathing and gas exchange. Whether D-CYSee acts as a respiratory stimulant or counteracts the inhibitory actions of µ-opioid receptor activation remains to be determined. In conclusion, D-CYSee and related thiol esters may have clinical potential for the reversal of the adverse effects of opioids on breathing and gas exchange, while largely sparing antinociception and sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina M. Getsy
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Santhosh M. Baby
- Department of Drug Discovery, Galleon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Horsham, PA, United States
| | - Walter J. May
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Alex P. Young
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Benjamin Gaston
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Matthew R. Hodges
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Hubert V. Forster
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - James N. Bates
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Christopher G. Wilson
- Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Tristan H. J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Yee-Hee Hsieh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Stephen J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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19
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Casello SM, Flores RJ, Yarur HE, Wang H, Awanyai M, Arenivar MA, Jaime-Lara RB, Bravo-Rivera H, Tejeda HA. Neuropeptide System Regulation of Prefrontal Cortex Circuitry: Implications for Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:796443. [PMID: 35800635 PMCID: PMC9255232 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.796443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides, a diverse class of signaling molecules in the nervous system, modulate various biological effects including membrane excitability, synaptic transmission and synaptogenesis, gene expression, and glial cell architecture and function. To date, most of what is known about neuropeptide action is limited to subcortical brain structures and tissue outside of the central nervous system. Thus, there is a knowledge gap in our understanding of neuropeptide function within cortical circuits. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of various families of neuropeptides and their cognate receptors that are expressed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Specifically, we highlight dynorphin, enkephalin, corticotropin-releasing factor, cholecystokinin, somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Further, we review the implication of neuropeptide signaling in prefrontal cortical circuit function and use as potential therapeutic targets. Together, this review summarizes established knowledge and highlights unknowns of neuropeptide modulation of neural function underlying various biological effects while offering insights for future research. An increased emphasis in this area of study is necessary to elucidate basic principles of the diverse signaling molecules used in cortical circuits beyond fast excitatory and inhibitory transmitters as well as consider components of neuropeptide action in the PFC as a potential therapeutic target for neurological disorders. Therefore, this review not only sheds light on the importance of cortical neuropeptide studies, but also provides a comprehensive overview of neuropeptide action in the PFC to serve as a roadmap for future studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne M. Casello
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rodolfo J. Flores
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hector E. Yarur
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Huikun Wang
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Monique Awanyai
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Miguel A. Arenivar
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rosario B. Jaime-Lara
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hector Bravo-Rivera
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hugo A. Tejeda
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Hugo A. Tejeda,
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20
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Coluzzi F, Rullo L, Scerpa MS, Losapio LM, Rocco M, Billeci D, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Current and Future Therapeutic Options in Pain Management: Multi-mechanistic Opioids Involving Both MOR and NOP Receptor Activation. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:617-632. [PMID: 35616826 PMCID: PMC9166888 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00924-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are widely used in chronic pain management, despite major concerns about their risk of adverse events, particularly abuse, misuse, and respiratory depression from overdose. Multi-mechanistic opioids, such as tapentadol and buprenorphine, have been widely studied as a valid alternative to traditional opioids for their safer profile. Special interest was focused on the role of the nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor in terms of analgesia and improved tolerability. Nociceptin opioid peptide receptor agonists were shown to reinforce the antinociceptive effect of mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists and modulate some of their adverse effects. Therefore, multi-mechanistic opioids involving both MOR and NOP receptor activation became a major field of pharmaceutical and clinical investigations. Buprenorphine was re-discovered in a new perspective, as an atypical analgesic and as a substitution therapy for opioid use disorders; and buprenorphine derivatives have been tested in animal models of nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Similarly, cebranopadol, a full MOR/NOP receptor agonist, has been clinically evaluated for its potent analgesic efficacy and better tolerability profile, compared with traditional opioids. This review overviews pharmacological mechanisms of the NOP receptor system, including its role in pain management and in the development of opioid tolerance. Clinical data on buprenorphine suggest its role as a safer alternative to traditional opioids, particularly in patients with non-cancer pain; while data on cebranopadol still require phase III study results to approve its introduction on the market. Other bifunctional MOR/NOP receptor ligands, such as BU08028, BU10038, and AT-121, are currently under pharmacological investigations and could represent promising analgesic agents for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Coluzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
- Unit Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Maria Sole Scerpa
- Unit Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Maria Losapio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Monica Rocco
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
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21
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Agonist-promoted kappa opioid receptor (KOR) phosphorylation has behavioral endpoint-dependent and sex-specific effects. Neuropharmacology 2022; 202:108860. [PMID: 34736959 PMCID: PMC9122667 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We reported previously that the selective agonist U50,488H promoted phosphorylation of the mouse kappa opioid receptor (mKOR) in vitro at four residues in the C-terminal domain. In this study, we generated a mutant mouse line in which all the four residues were mutated to Ala (K4A) to examine the in vivo functional significance of agonist-induced KOR phosphorylation. U50,488H promoted KOR phosphorylation in brains of the wildtype (WT), but not K4A, male and female mice. Autoradiography of [3H] 69,593 binding to KOR in brain sections showed that WT and K4A mice had similar KOR distribution and expression levels in brain regions without sex differences. In K4A mice, U50,488H inhibited compound 48/80-induced scratching and attenuated novelty-induced hyperlocomotion to similar extents as in WT mice without sex differences. Interestingly, repeated pretreatment with U50,488H (80 mg/kg, s.c.) resulted in profound tolerance to the anti-scratch effects of U50,488H (5 mg/kg, s.c.) in WT mice of both sexes and female K4A mice, while in male K4A mice tolerance was attenuated. Moreover, U50,488H (2 mg/kg) induced conditioned place aversion (CPA) in WT mice of both sexes and male K4A mice, but not in female K4A mice. In contrast, U50,488H (5 mg/kg) caused CPA in male, but not female, mice, regardless of genotype. Thus, agonist-promoted KOR phosphorylation plays important roles in U50,488H-induced tolerance and CPA in a sex-dependent manner, without affecting acute U50,488H-induced anti-pruritic and hypo-locomotor effects. These results are the first to demonstrate sex differences in the effects of GPCR phosphorylation on the GPCR-mediated behaviors.
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22
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Sinha S, Tejus A, Mohan P, Mathur AG. Journey of oliceridine: A novel opioid. JOURNAL OF MARINE MEDICAL SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jmms.jmms_174_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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23
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G protein signaling-biased mu opioid receptor agonists that produce sustained G protein activation are noncompetitive agonists. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2102178118. [PMID: 34819362 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2102178118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of a ligand to preferentially promote engagement of one signaling pathway over another downstream of GPCR activation has been referred to as signaling bias, functional selectivity, and biased agonism. The presentation of ligand bias reflects selectivity between active states of the receptor, which may result in the display of preferential engagement with one signaling pathway over another. In this study, we provide evidence that the G protein-biased mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists SR-17018 and SR-14968 stabilize the MOR in a wash-resistant yet antagonist-reversible G protein-signaling state. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these structurally related biased agonists are noncompetitive for radiolabeled MOR antagonist binding, and while they stimulate G protein signaling in mouse brains, partial agonists of this class do not compete with full agonist activation. Importantly, opioid antagonists can readily reverse their effects in vivo. Given that chronic treatment with SR-17018 does not lead to tolerance in several mouse pain models, this feature may be desirable for the development of long-lasting opioid analgesics that remain sensitive to antagonist reversal of respiratory suppression.
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24
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Liu S, Kang WJ, Abrimian A, Xu J, Cartegni L, Majumdar S, Hesketh P, Bekker A, Pan YX. Alternative Pre-mRNA Splicing of the Mu Opioid Receptor Gene, OPRM1: Insight into Complex Mu Opioid Actions. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11101525. [PMID: 34680158 PMCID: PMC8534031 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Most opioid analgesics used clinically, including morphine and fentanyl, as well as the recreational drug heroin, act primarily through the mu opioid receptor, a class A Rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). The single-copy mu opioid receptor gene, OPRM1, undergoes extensive alternative splicing, creating multiple splice variants or isoforms via a variety of alternative splicing events. These OPRM1 splice variants can be categorized into three major types based on the receptor structure: (1) full-length 7 transmembrane (TM) C-terminal variants; (2) truncated 6TM variants; and (3) single TM variants. Increasing evidence suggests that these OPRM1 splice variants are pharmacologically important in mediating the distinct actions of various mu opioids. More importantly, the OPRM1 variants can be targeted for development of novel opioid analgesics that are potent against multiple types of pain, but devoid of many side-effects associated with traditional opiates. In this review, we provide an overview of OPRM1 alternative splicing and its functional relevance in opioid pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Wen-Jia Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Abrimian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Luca Cartegni
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Patrick Hesketh
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Ying-Xian Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (S.L.); (W.-J.K.); (A.A.); (J.X.); (P.H.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-973-972-3213
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25
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Bateman JT, Levitt ES. Evaluation of G protein bias and β-arrestin 2 signaling in opioid-induced respiratory depression. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C681-C683. [PMID: 34469203 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00259.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory depression is a potentially fatal side effect of opioid analgesics and a major limitation to their use. G protein-biased opioid agonists have been proposed as "safer" analgesics with less respiratory depression. These agonists are biased to activate G proteins rather than β-arrestin signaling. Respiratory depression has been shown to correlate with both G protein bias and intrinsic efficacy, and recent work has refuted the role of β-arrestin signaling in opioid-induced respiratory depression. In addition, there is substantial evidence that G proteins do, in fact, mediate respiratory depression by actions in respiratory-controlling brainstem neurons. Based on these studies, we provide the perspective that protection from respiratory depression displayed by newly developed G protein-biased agonists is due to factors other than G protein versus arrestin bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan T Bateman
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Erica S Levitt
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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26
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27
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Malinky CA, Lindsley CW, Han C. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Loperamide. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2964-2973. [PMID: 34346690 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Loperamide, a popular and inexpensive over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine, is a potent μ-opioid receptor agonist approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has been on the market since 1976 and is relatively safe with no central nervous system-related side effects when used for a short period of time at the recommended therapeutic dose (2-8 mg/day). In recent years, loperamide has become notoriously known as the "poor man's methadone" for people with substance dependence due to the increase in loperamide overdoses from self-administered medication to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. As a result, in 2018, the FDA decided to limit the available packaged dose of loperamide to stop prominent abuse. This review provides the synthesis and chemical properties of loperamide as well as the pharmacology and adverse effects of its use and the social effects of such abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cori A. Malinky
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Changho Han
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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28
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Vearrier D, Grundmann O. Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Abuse Potential of Opioids. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61 Suppl 2:S70-S88. [PMID: 34396552 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Opioids were the most common drug class resulting in overdose deaths in the United States in 2019. Widespread clinical use of prescription opioids for moderate to severe pain contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic with the subsequent emergence of fentanyl-laced heroin. More potent analogues of fentanyl and structurally diverse opioid receptor agonists such as AH-7921 and MT-45 are fueling an increasingly diverse illicit opioid supply. Overdose from synthetic opioids with high binding affinities may not respond to a typical naloxone dose, thereby rendering autoinjectors less effective, requiring higher antagonist doses or resulting in a confusing clinical picture for health care providers. Nonscheduled opioid drugs such as loperamide and dextromethorphan are associated with dependence and risk of overdose as easier access makes them attractive to opioid users. Despite a common opioid-mediated pathway, several opioids present with unique pharmacodynamic properties leading to acute toxicity and dependence development. Pharmacokinetic considerations involve half-life of the parent opioid and its metabolites as well as resulting toxicity, as is established for tramadol, codeine, and oxycodone. Pharmacokinetic considerations, toxicities, and treatment approaches for notable opioids are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Vearrier
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Oliver Grundmann
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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29
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Cornelissen JC, Blough BE, Bohn LM, Negus SS, Banks ML. Some effects of putative G-protein biased mu-opioid receptor agonists in male rhesus monkeys. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:453-458. [PMID: 33883450 PMCID: PMC8266741 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-biased mu-opioid receptor (GPB-MOR) agonists are an emerging class of compounds being evaluated as candidate analgesics and agonist medications for opioid use disorder. Most of the basic pharmacology of GPB-MOR agonists has been conducted in rodents and much less is known how the basic behavioral pharmacology of these compounds translates to nonhuman primates. The present study determined the antinociceptive potency and time course of three putative GPB-MOR agonists: (+)-oliceridine (i.e. TRV130), SR14968, and SR17018 in male rhesus monkeys (n = 3). In addition, the respiratory effects of these compounds were also indirectly determined using a pulse oximeter to measure percent peripheral oxygen saturation (%SpO2). The largest intramuscular oliceridine dose (3.2 mg/kg) produced significant antinociception at 50°C, but not 54°C, and peak effects were between 10 and 30 min. Oliceridine also decreased SpO2 below the 90% threshold that would be clinically categorized as hypoxia in two out of three monkeys. The largest intramuscular SR14968 dose (0.32 mg/kg) produced 100% MPE at 50°C, but not 54°C, in two out of three monkeys, and peak effects were between 30 and 100 min. The largest intravenous SR17018 dose (1 mg/kg) produced 100% MPE at 50°C, but not 54°C, in the same two out of three monkeys, and peak effects were between 30 and 100 min. Solubility limitations for both SR14968 and SR17018 impaired our ability to determine in-vivo potency and effectiveness on antinociceptive and %SpO2 measures for these two compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy C. Cornelissen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA 23298
| | - Bruce E. Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA 27709
| | - Laura M Bohn
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - S. Stevens Negus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA 23298
| | - Matthew L. Banks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA 23298
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30
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Kibaly C, Alderete JA, Liu SH, Nasef HS, Law PY, Evans CJ, Cahill CM. Oxycodone in the Opioid Epidemic: High 'Liking', 'Wanting', and Abuse Liability. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:899-926. [PMID: 33245509 PMCID: PMC8155122 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-01013-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that nearly a third of people who abuse drugs started with prescription opioid medicines. Approximately, 11.5 million Americans used prescription drugs recreationally in 2016, and in 2018, 46,802 Americans died as the result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl (National Institutes on Drug Abuse (2020) Opioid Overdose Crisis. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis . Accessed 06 June 2020). Yet physicians will continue to prescribe oral opioids for moderate-to-severe pain in the absence of alternative therapeutics, underscoring the importance in understanding how drug choice can influence detrimental outcomes. One of the opioid prescription medications that led to this crisis is oxycodone, where misuse of this drug has been rampant. Being one of the most highly prescribed opioid medications for treating moderate-to-severe pain as reflected in the skyrocketed increase in retail sales of 866% between 1997 and 2007, oxycodone was initially suggested to be less addictive than morphine. The false-claimed non-addictive formulation of oxycodone, OxyContin, further contributed to the opioid crisis. Abuse was often carried out by crushing the pills for immediate burst release, typically by nasal insufflation, or by liquefying the pills for intravenous injection. Here, we review oxycodone pharmacology and abuse liability as well as present the hypothesis that oxycodone may exhibit a unique pharmacology that contributes to its high likability and abuse susceptibility. We will discuss various mechanisms that likely contribute to the high abuse rate of oxycodone including clinical drug likability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, differences in its actions within mesolimbic reward circuity compared to other opioids, and the possibility of differential molecular and cellular receptor interactions that contribute to its selective effects. We will also discuss marketing strategies and drug difference that likely contributes to the oxycodone opioid use disorders and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherkaouia Kibaly
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Jacob A Alderete
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven H Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hazem S Nasef
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ping-Yee Law
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Evans
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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31
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Bonifazi A, Battiti FO, Sanchez J, Zaidi SA, Bow E, Makarova M, Cao J, Shaik AB, Sulima A, Rice KC, Katritch V, Canals M, Lane JR, Newman AH. Novel Dual-Target μ-Opioid Receptor and Dopamine D 3 Receptor Ligands as Potential Nonaddictive Pharmacotherapeutics for Pain Management. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7778-7808. [PMID: 34011153 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The need for safer pain-management therapies with decreased abuse liability inspired a novel drug design that retains μ-opioid receptor (MOR)-mediated analgesia, while minimizing addictive liability. We recently demonstrated that targeting the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) with highly selective antagonists/partial agonists can reduce opioid self-administration and reinstatement to drug seeking in rodent models without diminishing antinociceptive effects. The identification of the D3R as a target for the treatment of opioid use disorders prompted the idea of generating a class of ligands presenting bitopic or bivalent structures, allowing the dual-target binding of the MOR and D3R. Structure-activity relationship studies using computationally aided drug design and in vitro binding assays led to the identification of potent dual-target leads (23, 28, and 40), based on different structural templates and scaffolds, with moderate (sub-micromolar) to high (low nanomolar/sub-nanomolar) binding affinities. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer-based functional studies revealed MOR agonist-D3R antagonist/partial agonist efficacies that suggest potential for maintaining analgesia with reduced opioid-abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Francisco O Battiti
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Julie Sanchez
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Protein and Receptors, Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Midlands NG2 7AG, U.K
| | - Saheem A Zaidi
- Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Eric Bow
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Mariia Makarova
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Jianjing Cao
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Anver Basha Shaik
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Meritxell Canals
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Protein and Receptors, Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Midlands NG2 7AG, U.K
| | - J Robert Lane
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, U.K.,Centre of Membrane Protein and Receptors, Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, Midlands NG2 7AG, U.K
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
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32
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Gaston B, Baby SM, May WJ, Young AP, Grossfield A, Bates JN, Seckler JM, Wilson CG, Lewis SJ. D-Cystine di(m)ethyl ester reverses the deleterious effects of morphine on ventilation and arterial blood gas chemistry while promoting antinociception. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10038. [PMID: 33976311 PMCID: PMC8113454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We have identified thiolesters that reverse the negative effects of opioids on breathing without compromising antinociception. Here we report the effects of D-cystine diethyl ester (D-cystine diEE) or D-cystine dimethyl ester (D-cystine diME) on morphine-induced changes in ventilation, arterial-blood gas chemistry, A-a gradient (index of gas-exchange in the lungs) and antinociception in freely moving rats. Injection of morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) elicited negative effects on breathing (e.g., depression of tidal volume, minute ventilation, peak inspiratory flow, and inspiratory drive). Subsequent injection of D-cystine diEE (500 μmol/kg, IV) elicited an immediate and sustained reversal of these effects of morphine. Injection of morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) also elicited pronounced decreases in arterial blood pH, pO2 and sO2 accompanied by pronounced increases in pCO2 (all indicative of a decrease in ventilatory drive) and A-a gradient (mismatch in ventilation-perfusion in the lungs). These effects of morphine were reversed in an immediate and sustained fashion by D-cystine diME (500 μmol/kg, IV). Finally, the duration of morphine (5 and 10 mg/kg, IV) antinociception was augmented by D-cystine diEE. D-cystine diEE and D-cystine diME may be clinically useful agents that can effectively reverse the negative effects of morphine on breathing and gas-exchange in the lungs while promoting antinociception. Our study suggests that the D-cystine thiolesters are able to differentially modulate the intracellular signaling cascades that mediate morphine-induced ventilatory depression as opposed to those that mediate morphine-induced antinociception and sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gaston
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Santhosh M Baby
- Translational Sciences Treatment Discovery, Galvani Bioelectronics, Inc., 1250 S Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, PA, 1r9426, USA
| | - Walter J May
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Alex P Young
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Alan Grossfield
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - James N Bates
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - James M Seckler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Christopher G Wilson
- Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Stephen J Lewis
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Immunology, Departments of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106-4984, USA.
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33
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Seth R, Kuppalli SS, Nadav D, Chen G, Gulati A. Recent Advances in Peripheral Opioid Receptor Therapeutics. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2021; 25:46. [PMID: 33970352 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-021-00951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although opioids are excellent analgesics, they are associated with severe short- and long-term side effects that are especially concerning for the treatment of chronic pain. Peripherally acting opioid receptor agonists promise to mitigate the more serious centrally mediated side effects of opioids, and the goal of this paper is to identify and elaborate on recent advances in these peripheral opioid receptor therapeutics. RECENT FINDINGS Peripheral opioid receptor agonists are effective analgesics that at the same time circumvent the problem of centrally mediated opioid side effects by (1) preferentially targeting peripheral opioid receptors that are often the source of the pain and (2) their markedly diminished permeability or activity across the blood-brain barrier. Recent novel bottom-up approaches have been notable for the design of therapeutics that are either active only at inflamed tissue, as in the case of fentanyl-derived pH-sensitive opioid ligands, or too bulky or hydrophilic to cross the blood-brain barrier, as in the case of morphine covalently bound to hyperbranched polyglycerols. Recent innovations in peripheral opioid receptor therapeutics of pH-sensitive opioid ligands and limiting opioid permeability across the blood-brain barrier have had promising results in animal models. While this is grounds for optimism that some of these therapeutics will be efficacious in human subjects at a future date, each drug must undergo individualized testing for specific chronic pain syndromes to establish not only the nuances of each drug's therapeutic effect but also a comprehensive safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghav Seth
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Sumanth S Kuppalli
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Danielle Nadav
- Department of Anesthesiology, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Grant Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amitabh Gulati
- Department of Anesthesiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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34
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Liu Q, He H, Mai L, Yang S, Fan W, Huang F. Peripherally Acting Opioids in Orofacial Pain. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:665445. [PMID: 34017236 PMCID: PMC8129166 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.665445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of opioid receptors by exogenous or endogenous opioids can produce significant analgesic effects in peripheral tissues. Numerous researchers have demonstrated the expression of peripheral opioid receptors (PORs) and endogenous opioid peptides (EOPs) in the orofacial region. Growing evidence has shown the involvement of PORs and immune cell-derived EOPs in the modulation of orofacial pain. In this review, we discuss the role of PORs and EOPs in orofacial pain and the possible cellular mechanisms involved. Furthermore, the potential development of therapeutic strategies for orofacial pain is also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwen He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Oral Anatomy and Physiology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijia Mai
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengyan Yang
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenguo Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
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35
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Positive allosteric modulation of the mu-opioid receptor produces analgesia with reduced side effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2000017118. [PMID: 33846240 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000017118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) have been hypothesized as potentially safer analgesics than traditional opioid drugs. This is based on the idea that PAMs will promote the action of endogenous opioid peptides while preserving their temporal and spatial release patterns and so have an improved therapeutic index. However, this hypothesis has never been tested. Here, we show that a mu-PAM, BMS-986122, enhances the ability of the endogenous opioid Methionine-enkephalin (Met-Enk) to stimulate G protein activity in mouse brain homogenates without activity on its own and to enhance G protein activation to a greater extent than β-arrestin recruitment in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing human mu-opioid receptors. Moreover, BMS-986122 increases the potency of Met-Enk to inhibit GABA release in the periaqueductal gray, an important site for antinociception. We describe in vivo experiments demonstrating that the mu-PAM produces antinociception in mouse models of acute noxious heat pain as well as inflammatory pain. These effects are blocked by MOR antagonists and are consistent with the hypothesis that in vivo mu-PAMs enhance the activity of endogenous opioid peptides. Because BMS-986122 does not bind to the orthosteric site and has no inherent agonist action at endogenously expressed levels of MOR, it produces a reduced level of morphine-like side effects of constipation, reward as measured by conditioned place preference, and respiratory depression. These data provide a rationale for the further exploration of the action and safety of mu-PAMs as an innovative approach to pain management.
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36
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Kudla L, Przewlocki R. Influence of G protein-biased agonists of μ-opioid receptor on addiction-related behaviors. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:1033-1051. [PMID: 33835467 PMCID: PMC8413226 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Opioid analgesics remain a gold standard for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. However, their clinical utility is seriously limited by a range of adverse effects. Among them, their high-addictive potential appears as very important, especially in the context of the opioid epidemic. Therefore, the development of safer opioid analgesics with low abuse potential appears as a challenging problem for opioid research. Among the last few decades, different approaches to the discovery of novel opioid drugs have been assessed. One of the most promising is the development of G protein-biased opioid agonists, which can activate only selected intracellular signaling pathways. To date, discoveries of several biased agonists acting via μ-opioid receptor were reported. According to the experimental data, such ligands may be devoid of at least some of the opioid side effects, such as respiratory depression or constipation. Nevertheless, most data regarding the addictive properties of biased μ-opioid receptor agonists are inconsistent. A global problem connected with opioid abuse also requires the search for effective pharmacotherapy for opioid addiction, which is another potential application of biased compounds. This review discusses the state-of-the-art on addictive properties of G protein-biased μ-opioid receptor agonists as well as we analyze whether these compounds can diminish any symptoms of opioid addiction. Finally, we provide a critical view on recent data connected with biased signaling and its implications to in vivo manifestations of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucja Kudla
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Smetna 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ryszard Przewlocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Smetna 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland.
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37
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Ujváry I, Christie R, Evans-Brown M, Gallegos A, Jorge R, de Morais J, Sedefov R. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Etonitazene and Related Benzimidazoles. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1072-1092. [PMID: 33760580 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Etonitazene and related 2-benzylbenzimidazoles are potent analgetics invented in the research laboratories of the Swiss pharmaceutical giant CIBA in the late 1950s. Though the unprecedented structure distinguishes this class of compounds from poppy-derived and other synthetic analgetics, a range of studies indicate that these drugs are selective μ opioid receptor agonists possessing morphine-like pharmacotoxicological properties in animals as well as humans. Several unscheduled members of this synthetically readily accessible class of opioids that are not controlled under the international and national drug control systems have recently emerged on the illicit drug market. Among them, isotonitazene has been implicated in at least 200 fatalities in Europe and North America. None of the 2-benzylbenzimidazole derivatives have been developed into medicines, but etonitazene and some of its derivatives have been used as receptor probes and in addiction behavior studies in animals. The unique structure has inspired research on such benzimidazoles and related benzimidazolones of which "brorphine" made its debut as one of the newest psychoactive substance to emerge on the illicit opioid drug market in mid-2019. This in-depth review provides a historical introduction, an overview on the chemistry, pharmacological profiles, adverse effects, addiction liability, regulatory status, and the impact on chemical neuroscience of the 2-benzylbenzimidazoles. Structurally related benzimidazoles with opioid and/or analgesic properties are also discussed briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Christie
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 1249-289 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Michael Evans-Brown
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 1249-289 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Gallegos
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 1249-289 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Jorge
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 1249-289 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joanna de Morais
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 1249-289 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Roumen Sedefov
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 1249-289 Lisbon, Portugal
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38
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Abrimian A, Kraft T, Pan YX. Endogenous Opioid Peptides and Alternatively Spliced Mu Opioid Receptor Seven Transmembrane Carboxyl-Terminal Variants. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073779. [PMID: 33917474 PMCID: PMC8038826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There exist three main types of endogenous opioid peptides, enkephalins, dynorphins and β-endorphin, all of which are derived from their precursors. These endogenous opioid peptides act through opioid receptors, including mu opioid receptor (MOR), delta opioid receptor (DOR) and kappa opioid receptor (KOR), and play important roles not only in analgesia, but also many other biological processes such as reward, stress response, feeding and emotion. The MOR gene, OPRM1, undergoes extensive alternative pre-mRNA splicing, generating multiple splice variants or isoforms. One type of these splice variants, the full-length 7 transmembrane (TM) Carboxyl (C)-terminal variants, has the same receptor structures but contains different intracellular C-terminal tails. The pharmacological functions of several endogenous opioid peptides through the mouse, rat and human OPRM1 7TM C-terminal variants have been considerably investigated together with various mu opioid ligands. The current review focuses on the studies of these endogenous opioid peptides and summarizes the results from early pharmacological studies, including receptor binding affinity and G protein activation, and recent studies of β-arrestin2 recruitment and biased signaling, aiming to provide new insights into the mechanisms and functions of endogenous opioid peptides, which are mediated through the OPRM1 7TM C-terminal splice variants.
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Karavidha KK, Burmeister M, Greenwald MK. β-Arrestin 2 (ARRB2) Polymorphism is Associated With Adverse Consequences of Chronic Heroin Use. Am J Addict 2021; 30:351-357. [PMID: 33783060 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES β-arrestin 2 is an intracellular protein recruited during the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors. In preclinical studies, β-arrestin 2 has been implicated in µ-opioid receptor desensitization and internalization and the development of opioid tolerance and dependence. The present study investigated relationships between variants in the gene encoding β-arrestin 2 (ARRB2) and clinically relevant phenotypes among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). We hypothesized that ARRB2 variants would be associated with the negative effects of long-term heroin use. METHODS Chronic heroin users (N = 201; n = 103 African American; n = 98 Caucasian) were genotyped for ARRB2 r1045280 (synonymous, also affecting binding motif of transcription factor GTF2IRD1), rs2036657 (3'UTR) and rs3786047 (intron) and assessed for the past-month frequency of use, injection use, and lifetime duration of heroin use, number of heroin quit-attempts, and heroin use-related consequences. RESULTS Lifetime heroin-use consequences (especially occupational and health-related) were significantly lower for African American ARRB2 r1045280 C-allele carriers compared with the TT genotype. There was no significant genotype difference in the Caucasian group. ARRB2 rs2036657 was in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs1045280. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These results, consistent with extant data, illustrate a role for ancestry-dependent allelic variation in ARRB2 r1045280 on heroin-use consequences. The ARRB2 r1045280 C-allele played a protective role in African-descent participants. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE These first-in-human findings, which should be replicated, provide support for mechanistic investigations of ARRB2 and related intracellular signaling molecules in OUD etiology, treatment, and relapse prevention. (Am J Addict 2021;00:00-00).
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Affiliation(s)
- Klevis K Karavidha
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Margit Burmeister
- Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mark K Greenwald
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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40
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Glutathione ethyl ester reverses the deleterious effects of fentanyl on ventilation and arterial blood-gas chemistry while prolonging fentanyl-induced analgesia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6985. [PMID: 33772077 PMCID: PMC7997982 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop novel compounds that prevent the deleterious effects of opioids such as fentanyl on minute ventilation while, if possible, preserving the analgesic actions of the opioids. We report that L-glutathione ethyl ester (GSHee) may be such a novel compound. In this study, we measured tail flick latency (TFL), arterial blood gas (ABG) chemistry, Alveolar-arterial gradient, and ventilatory parameters by whole body plethysmography to determine the responses elicited by bolus injections of fentanyl (75 μg/kg, IV) in male adult Sprague-Dawley rats that had received a bolus injection of GSHee (100 μmol/kg, IV) 15 min previously. GSHee given alone had minimal effects on TFL, ABG chemistry and A-a gradient whereas it elicited changes in some ventilatory parameters such as an increase in breathing frequency. In vehicle-treated rats, fentanyl elicited (1) an increase in TFL, (2) decreases in pH, pO2 and sO2 and increases in pCO2 (all indicative of ventilatory depression), (3) an increase in Alveolar-arterial gradient (indicative of a mismatch in ventilation-perfusion in the lungs), and (4) changes in ventilatory parameters such as a reduction in tidal volume, that were indicative of pronounced ventilatory depression. In GSHee-pretreated rats, fentanyl elicited a more prolonged analgesia, relatively minor changes in ABG chemistry and Alveolar-arterial gradient, and a substantially milder depression of ventilation. GSHee may represent an effective member of a novel class of thiolester drugs that are able to prevent the ventilatory depressant effects elicited by powerful opioids such as fentanyl and their deleterious effects on gas-exchange in the lungs without compromising opioid analgesia.
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41
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Grönbladh A, Hallberg M. GTPγS-Autoradiography for Studies of Opioid Receptor Functionality. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2201:109-116. [PMID: 32975793 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0884-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The opioid receptors have been an interesting target for the drug industry for decades. These receptors were pharmacologically characterized in the 1970s and several drugs and peptides have emerged over the years. In 2012, the crystal structures were also demonstrated, with new data on the receptor sites, and thus new possibilities will appear. The role of opioids in the brain has attracted considerable interest in several diseases, especially pain and drug dependence. The opioid receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR ) that are Gi coupled which make them suitable for studying the receptor functionality. The [35S]GTP γS autoradiography assay is a good option that has the benefit of generating both anatomical and functional data in the area of interest. It is based on the first step of the signaling mechanism of GPCRs. When a ligand binds to the receptor GTP will replace GDP on the a-subunit of the G-protein, leading to a dissociation of the βγ-subunit. These subunits will start a cascade of second messengers and subsequently a physiological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfhild Grönbladh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mathias Hallberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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42
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Ricarte A, Dalton JAR, Giraldo J. Structural Assessment of Agonist Efficacy in the μ-Opioid Receptor: Morphine and Fentanyl Elicit Different Activation Patterns. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:1251-1274. [PMID: 33448226 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the opioid epidemic in the United States and Canada has evidenced the need for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of medications used to fight pain. Morphine and fentanyl are widely used in opiate-mediated analgesia for the treatment of chronic pain. These compounds target the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In light of described higher efficacy of fentanyl with respect to morphine, we have performed independent μs-length unbiased molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of MOR complexes with each of these ligands, including the MOR antagonist naltrexone as a negative control. Consequently, MD simulations totaling 58 μs have been conducted to elucidate at the atomic level ligand-specific receptor activity and signal transmission in the MOR. In particular, we have identified stable binding poses of morphine and fentanyl, which interact differently with the MOR. Different ligand-receptor interaction landscapes directly induce sidechain conformational changes of orthosteric pocket residues: Asp1493.32, Tyr1503.33, Gln1262.60, and Lys2355.39. The induced conformations determine Asp1493.32-Tyr3287.43 sidechain-sidechain interactions and Trp2956.48-Ala2425.46 sidechain-backbone H-bond formations, as well as Met1533.36 conformational changes. In addition to differences in ligand binding, different intracellular receptor conformational changes are observed as morphine preferentially activates transmembrane (TM) helices: TM3 and TM5, while fentanyl preferentially activates TM6 and TM7. As conformational changes in TM6 and TM7 are widely described as being the most crucial aspect in GPCR activation, this may contribute to the greater efficacy of fentanyl over morphine. These computationally observed functional differences between fentanyl and morphine may provide new avenues for the design of safer but not weaker opioid drugs because it is desirable to increase the safety of medicines without sacrificing their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Ricarte
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - James A R Dalton
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Giraldo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology and Bioinformatics, Unitat de Bioestadística and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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43
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Fakira AK, Devi LA, Kennedy PJ. Novel Application for G Protein-Biased Mu Opioid Receptor Agonists in Opioid Relapse Prevention. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 88:896-897. [PMID: 33213702 PMCID: PMC8407428 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Fakira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of
Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Lakshmi A. Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Pamela J. Kennedy
- Department of Psychology and Brain Research Institute,
University of California, Los Angeles, California
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44
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Abstract
The management of pain, particularly chronic pain, is still an area of medical need. In this context, opioids remain a gold standard for the treatment of pain. However, significant side effects, mainly of central origin, limit their clinical use. Here, we review recent progress to improve the therapeutic and safety profiles of opioids for pain management. Characterization of peripheral opioid-mediated pain mechanisms have been a key component of this process. Several studies identified peripheral µ, δ, and κ opioid receptors (MOR, DOR, and KOR, respectively) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptors as significant players of opioid-mediated antinociception, able to achieve clinically significant effects independently of any central action. Following this, particularly from a medicinal chemistry point of view, main efforts have been directed towards the peripheralization of opioid receptor agonists with the objective of optimizing receptor activity and minimizing central exposure and the associated undesired effects. These activities have allowed the characterization of a great variety of compounds and investigational drugs that show low central nervous system (CNS) penetration (and therefore a reduced side effect profile) yet maintaining the desired opioid-related peripheral antinociceptive activity. These include highly hydrophilic/amphiphilic and massive molecules unable to easily cross lipid membranes, substrates of glycoprotein P (a extrusion pump that avoids CNS penetration), nanocarriers that release the analgesic agent at the site of inflammation and pain, and pH-sensitive opioid agonists that selectively activate at those sites (and represent a new pharmacodynamic paradigm). Hopefully, patients with pain will benefit soon from the incorporation of these new entities.
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45
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Gonzalez S, Dumitrascuta M, Eiselt E, Louis S, Kunze L, Blasiol A, Vivancos M, Previti S, Dewolf E, Martin C, Tourwé D, Cavelier F, Gendron L, Sarret P, Spetea M, Ballet S. Optimized Opioid-Neurotensin Multitarget Peptides: From Design to Structure-Activity Relationship Studies. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12929-12941. [PMID: 32902268 PMCID: PMC7667639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Fusion of nonopioid pharmacophores, such as neurotensin, with opioid ligands represents an attractive approach for pain treatment. Herein, the μ-/δ-opioid agonist tetrapeptide H-Dmt-d-Arg-Aba-β-Ala-NH2 (KGOP01) was fused to NT(8-13) analogues. Since the NTS1 receptor has been linked to adverse effects, selective MOR-NTS2 ligands are preferred. Modifications were introduced within the native NT sequence, particularly a β3-homo amino acid in position 8 and Tyr11 substitutions. Combination of β3hArg and Dmt led to peptide 7, a MOR agonist, showing the highest NTS2 affinity described to date (Ki = 3 pM) and good NTS1 affinity (Ki = 4 nM), providing a >1300-fold NTS2 selectivity. The (6-OH)Tic-containing analogue 9 also exhibited high NTS2 affinity (Ki = 1.7 nM), with low NTS1 affinity (Ki = 4.7 μM), resulting in an excellent NTS2 selectivity (>2700). In mice, hybrid 7 produced significant and prolonged antinociception (up to 8 h), as compared to the KGOP01 opioid parent compound.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Design
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Oligopeptides/chemistry
- Oligopeptides/metabolism
- Oligopeptides/therapeutic use
- Pain/drug therapy
- Pain/pathology
- Peptides/chemistry
- Peptides/metabolism
- Peptides/therapeutic use
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Neurotensin/chemistry
- Receptors, Neurotensin/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Gonzalez
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Dumitrascuta
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Emilie Eiselt
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4 Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Stevany Louis
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Linda Kunze
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Annalisa Blasiol
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mélanie Vivancos
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4 Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Santo Previti
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke Dewolf
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Tourwé
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florine Cavelier
- Institut
des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Louis Gendron
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4 Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, J1H 5N4 Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Mariana Spetea
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for
Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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46
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Podlewska S, Bugno R, Kudla L, Bojarski AJ, Przewlocki R. Molecular Modeling of µ Opioid Receptor Ligands with Various Functional Properties: PZM21, SR-17018, Morphine, and Fentanyl-Simulated Interaction Patterns Confronted with Experimental Data. Molecules 2020; 25:E4636. [PMID: 33053718 PMCID: PMC7594085 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular modeling approaches are an indispensable part of the drug design process. They not only support the process of searching for new ligands of a given receptor, but they also play an important role in explaining particular activity pathways of a compound. In this study, a comprehensive molecular modeling protocol was developed to explain the observed activity profiles of selected µ opioid receptor agents: two G protein-biased µ opioid receptor agonists(PZM21 and SR-17018), unbiased morphine, and the β-arrestin-2-biased agonist,fentanyl. The study involved docking and molecular dynamics simulations carried out for three crystal structures of the target at a microsecond scale, followed by the statistical analysis of ligand-protein contacts. The interaction frequency between the modeled compounds and the subsequent residues of a protein during the simulation was also correlated with the output of in vitro and in vivo tests, resulting in the set of amino acids with the highest Pearson correlation coefficient values. Such indicated positions may serve as a guide for designing new G protein-biased ligands of the µ opioid receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Podlewska
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688 Cracow, Poland;
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Cracow, Poland; (R.B.); (L.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Ryszard Bugno
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Cracow, Poland; (R.B.); (L.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Lucja Kudla
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Cracow, Poland; (R.B.); (L.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Andrzej J. Bojarski
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Cracow, Poland; (R.B.); (L.K.); (A.J.B.)
| | - Ryszard Przewlocki
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Cracow, Poland; (R.B.); (L.K.); (A.J.B.)
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47
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Narayan A, Hunkele A, Xu J, Bassoni DL, Pasternak GW, Pan YX. Mu Opioids Induce Biased Signaling at the Full-Length Seven Transmembrane C-Terminal Splice Variants of the mu Opioid Receptor Gene, Oprm1. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 41:1059-1074. [PMID: 33033993 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00973-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The biased signaling has been extensively studied in the original mu opioid receptor (MOR-1), particularly through G protein and β-arrestin2 signaling pathways. The concept that the G protein pathway is often linked to the therapeutic effect of the drug, while the β-arrestin pathway is associated to the side effects has been proposed to develop biased analgesic compounds with limited side-effects associated with traditional opiates. The mu opioid receptor gene, OPRM1, undergoes extensive alternative pre-mRNA splicing, generating multiple splice variants or isoforms that are conserved from rodent to human. One type of the Oprm1 splice variants are the full-length 7 transmembrane (7TM) C-terminal splice variants, which have identical receptor structures including entire binding pocket, but contain a different intracellular C-terminal tail resulted from 3' alternative splicing. Increasing evidence suggest that these full-length 7TM C-terminal variants play important roles in mu opioid pharmacology, raising questions regarding biased signaling at these multiple C-terminal variants. In the present study, we investigated the effect of different C-terminal variants on mu agonist-induced G protein coupling, β-arrestin2 recruitment, and ultimately, signaling bias. We found that mu agonists produced marked differences in G protein activation and β-arrestin2 recruitment among various C-terminal variants, leading to biased signaling at various level. Particularly, MOR-1O, an exon 7-associated variant, showed greater β-arrestin2 bias for most mu agonists than MOR-1, an exon 4-associated variant. Biased signaling of G protein-coupled receptors has been defined by evidences that different agonists can produce divergent signaling transduction pathways through a single receptor. Our findings that a single mu agonist can induce differential signaling through multiple 7TM splice variants provide a new perspective on biased signaling at least for Oprm1, which perhaps is important for our understanding of the complex mu opioid actions in vivo where all the 7TM splice variants co-exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Narayan
- Department of Neurology and the Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Amanda Hunkele
- Department of Neurology and the Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Neurology and the Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | | | - Gavril W Pasternak
- Department of Neurology and the Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ying-Xian Pan
- Department of Neurology and the Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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48
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Abstract
Achieving effective pain management is one of the major challenges associated with modern day medicine. Opioids, such as morphine, have been the reference treatment for moderate to severe acute pain not excluding chronic pain modalities. Opioids act through the opioid receptors, the family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate pain relief through both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Four types of opioid receptors have been described, including the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), κ-opioid receptor (KOR), δ-opioid receptor (DOR), and the nociceptin opioid peptide receptor (NOP receptor). Despite the proven success of opioids in treating pain, there are still some inherent limitations. All clinically approved MOR analgesics are associated with adverse effects, which include tolerance, dependence, addiction, constipation, and respiratory depression. On the other hand, KOR selective analgesics have found limited clinical utility because they cause sedation, anxiety, dysphoria, and hallucinations. DOR agonists have also been investigated but they have a tendency to cause convulsions. Ligands targeting NOP receptor have been reported in the preclinical literature to be useful as spinal analgesics and as entities against substance abuse disorders while mixed MOR/NOP receptor agonists are useful as analgesics. Ultimately, the goal of opioid-related drug development has always been to design and synthesize derivatives that are equally or more potent than morphine but most importantly are devoid of the dangerous residual side effects and abuse potential. One proposed strategy is to take advantage of biased agonism, in which distinct downstream pathways can be activated by different molecules working through the exact same receptor. It has been proposed that ligands not recruiting β-arrestin 2 or showing a preference for activating a specific G-protein mediated signal transduction pathway will function as safer analgesic across all opioid subtypes. This review will focus on the design and the pharmacological outcomes of biased ligands at the opioid receptors, aiming at achieving functional selectivity.
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49
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Paton KF, Atigari DV, Kaska S, Prisinzano T, Kivell BM. Strategies for Developing κ Opioid Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Pain with Fewer Side Effects. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 375:332-348. [PMID: 32913006 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is significant need to find effective, nonaddictive pain medications. κ Opioid receptor (KOPr) agonists have been studied for decades but have recently received increased attention because of their analgesic effects and lack of abuse potential. However, a range of side effects have limited the clinical development of these drugs. There are several strategies currently used to develop safer and more effective KOPr agonists. These strategies include identifying G-protein-biased agonists, developing peripherally restricted KOPr agonists without centrally mediated side effects, and developing mixed opioid agonists, which target multiple receptors at specific ratios to balance side-effect profiles and reduce tolerance. Here, we review the latest developments in research related to KOPr agonists for the treatment of pain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review discusses strategies for developing safer κ opioid receptor (KOPr) agonists with therapeutic potential for the treatment of pain. Although one strategy is to modify selective KOPr agonists to create peripherally restricted or G-protein-biased structures, another approach is to combine KOPr agonists with μ, δ, or nociceptin opioid receptor activation to obtain mixed opioid receptor agonists, therefore negating the adverse effects and retaining the therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly F Paton
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (K.P., D.V.A., B.M.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (S.K., T.P.)
| | - Diana V Atigari
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (K.P., D.V.A., B.M.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (S.K., T.P.)
| | - Sophia Kaska
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (K.P., D.V.A., B.M.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (S.K., T.P.)
| | - Thomas Prisinzano
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (K.P., D.V.A., B.M.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (S.K., T.P.)
| | - Bronwyn M Kivell
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (K.P., D.V.A., B.M.K.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (S.K., T.P.)
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50
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Azevedo Neto J, Costanzini A, De Giorgio R, Lambert DG, Ruzza C, Calò G. Biased versus Partial Agonism in the Search for Safer Opioid Analgesics. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173870. [PMID: 32854452 PMCID: PMC7504468 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids such as morphine—acting at the mu opioid receptor—are the mainstay for treatment of moderate to severe pain and have good efficacy in these indications. However, these drugs produce a plethora of unwanted adverse effects including respiratory depression, constipation, immune suppression and with prolonged treatment, tolerance, dependence and abuse liability. Studies in β-arrestin 2 gene knockout (βarr2(−/−)) animals indicate that morphine analgesia is potentiated while side effects are reduced, suggesting that drugs biased away from arrestin may manifest with a reduced-side-effect profile. However, there is controversy in this area with improvement of morphine-induced constipation and reduced respiratory effects in βarr2(−/−) mice. Moreover, studies performed with mice genetically engineered with G-protein-biased mu receptors suggested increased sensitivity of these animals to both analgesic actions and side effects of opioid drugs. Several new molecules have been identified as mu receptor G-protein-biased agonists, including oliceridine (TRV130), PZM21 and SR–17018. These compounds have provided preclinical data with apparent support for bias toward G proteins and the genetic premise of effective and safer analgesics. There are clinical data for oliceridine that have been very recently approved for short term intravenous use in hospitals and other controlled settings. While these data are compelling and provide a potential new pathway-based target for drug discovery, a simpler explanation for the behavior of these biased agonists revolves around differences in intrinsic activity. A highly detailed study comparing oliceridine, PZM21 and SR–17018 (among others) in a range of assays showed that these molecules behave as partial agonists. Moreover, there was a correlation between their therapeutic indices and their efficacies, but not their bias factors. If there is amplification of G-protein, but not arrestin pathways, then agonists with reduced efficacy would show high levels of activity at G-protein and low or absent activity at arrestin; offering analgesia with reduced side effects or ‘apparent bias’. Overall, the current data suggests—and we support—caution in ascribing biased agonism to reduced-side-effect profiles for mu-agonist analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Azevedo Neto
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.A.N.); (G.C.)
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.C.); (R.D.G.)
| | - David G. Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.A.N.); (G.C.)
- Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.A.N.); (G.C.)
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