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Heilig M, Witkiewitz K, Ray LA, Leggio L. Novel medications for problematic alcohol use. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172889. [PMID: 38828724 PMCID: PMC11142745 DOI: 10.1172/jci172889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-related harm, a major cause of disease burden globally, affects people along a spectrum of use. When a harmful pattern of drinking is present in the absence of significant behavioral pathology, low-intensity brief interventions that provide information about health consequences of continued use provide large health benefits. At the other end of the spectrum, profound behavioral pathology, including continued use despite knowledge of potentially fatal consequences, warrants a medical diagnosis, and treatment is strongly indicated. Available behavioral and pharmacological treatments are supported by scientific evidence but are vastly underutilized. Discovery of additional medications, with a favorable balance of efficacy versus safety and tolerability can improve clinical uptake of treatment, allow personalized treatment, and improve outcomes. Here, we delineate the clinical conditions when pharmacotherapy should be considered in relation to the main diagnostic systems in use and discuss clinical endpoints that represent meaningful clinical benefits. We then review specific developments in three categories of targets that show promise for expanding the treatment toolkit. GPCRs remain the largest category of successful drug targets across contemporary medicine, and several GPCR targets are currently pursued for alcohol-related indications. Endocrine systems are another established category, and several promising targets have emerged for alcohol indications. Finally, immune modulators have revolutionized treatment of multiple medical conditions, and they may also hold potential to produce benefits in patients with alcohol problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, and Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Katie Witkiewitz
- Department of Psychology and Center on Alcohol, Substance Use and Addictions, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Lara A. Ray
- Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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2
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Lékó AH, Gregory-Flores A, Marchette RCN, Gomez JL, Vendruscolo JCM, Repunte-Canonigo V, Choung V, Deschaine SL, Whiting KE, Jackson SN, Cornejo MP, Perello M, You ZB, Eckhaus M, Rasineni K, Janda KD, Zorman B, Sumazin P, Koob GF, Michaelides M, Sanna PP, Vendruscolo LF, Leggio L. Genetic or pharmacological GHSR blockade has sexually dimorphic effects in rodents on a high-fat diet. Commun Biol 2024; 7:632. [PMID: 38796563 PMCID: PMC11127961 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06303-5] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The stomach-derived hormone ghrelin regulates essential physiological functions. The ghrelin receptor (GHSR) has ligand-independent actions; therefore, GHSR gene deletion may be a reasonable approach to investigate the role of this system in feeding behaviors and diet-induced obesity (DIO). Here, we investigate the effects of a long-term (12-month) high-fat (HFD) versus regular diet on obesity-related measures in global GHSR-KO and wild-type (WT) Wistar male and female rats. Our main findings are that the GHSR gene deletion protects against DIO and decreases food intake during HFD in male but not in female rats. GHSR gene deletion increases thermogenesis and brain glucose uptake in male rats and modifies the effects of HFD on brain glucose metabolism in a sex-specific manner, as assessed with small animal positron emission tomography. We use RNA-sequencing to show that GHSR-KO rats have upregulated expression of genes responsible for fat oxidation in brown adipose tissue. Central administration of a novel GHSR inverse agonist, PF-5190457, attenuates ghrelin-induced food intake, but only in male, not in female mice. HFD-induced binge-like eating is reduced by inverse agonism in both sexes. Our results support GHSR as a promising target for new pharmacotherapies for obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- András H Lékó
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center on Compulsive Behaviors, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Adriana Gregory-Flores
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Renata C N Marchette
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Juan L Gomez
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Janaina C M Vendruscolo
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vez Repunte-Canonigo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vicky Choung
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sara L Deschaine
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kimberly E Whiting
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shelley N Jackson
- Translational Analytical Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maria Paula Cornejo
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional La Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mario Perello
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional La Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Zhi-Bing You
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Eckhaus
- Pathology Service, Division of Veterinary Resources, Office of Research Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Karuna Rasineni
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kim D Janda
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Barry Zorman
- Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pavel Sumazin
- Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George F Koob
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Michaelides
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pietro P Sanna
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Stress and Addiction Neuroscience Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Translational Analytical Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA.
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3
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Özkan-Kotiloğlu S, Kaya-Akyüzlü D, Güven E, Doğan Ö, Ağtaş-Ertan E, Özgür-İlhan İ. A case control study investigating the methylation levels of GHRL and GHSR genes in alcohol use disorder. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:663. [PMID: 38771494 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09585-4] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a relapsing disease described as excessive use of alcohol. Evidence of the role of DNA methylation in addiction is accumulating. Ghrelin is an important peptide known as appetite hormone and its role in addictive behavior has been identified. Here we aimed to determine the methylation levels of two crucial genes (GHRL and GHSR) in ghrelin signaling and further investigate the association between methylation ratios and plasma ghrelin levels. METHODS Individuals diagnosed with (n = 71) and without (n = 82) AUD were recruited in this study. DNA methylation levels were measured through methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM). Acylated ghrelin levels were detected by ELISA. The GHRL rs696217 polymorphism was analyzed by the standard PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS GHRL was significantly hypermethylated (P < 0.0022) in AUD between 25 and 50% methylation than in control subjects but no significant changes of GHSR methylation were observed. Moreover, GHRL showed significant positive correlation of methylation ratio between 25 and 50% with age. A significant positive correlation between GHSR methylation and ghrelin levels in the AUD group was determined (P = 0.037). The level of GHRL methylation and the ghrelin levels showed a significant association in the control subjects (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION GHSR and GHRL methylation levels did not change significantly between control and AUD groups. However, GHRL and GHSR methylations seemed to have associations with plasma ghrelin levels in two groups. This is the first study investigating the DNA methylation of GHRL and GHSR genes in AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selin Özkan-Kotiloğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Art, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Türkiye.
| | | | - Emine Güven
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Düzce University, Düzce, Türkiye
- Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Özlem Doğan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ece Ağtaş-Ertan
- Department of Mental Health and Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - İnci Özgür-İlhan
- Department of Mental Health and Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Malone SG, Davis CN, Piserchia Z, Setzer MR, Toikumo S, Zhou H, Winterlind EL, Gelernter J, Justice A, Leggio L, Rentsch CT, Kranzler HR, Gray JC. Alcohol use disorder and body mass index show genetic pleiotropy and shared neural associations. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.03.24306773. [PMID: 38746260 PMCID: PMC11092735 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.03.24306773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Background The prevalence of co-occurring heavy alcohol consumption and obesity is increasing in the United States. Despite neurobiological overlap in the regulation of alcohol consumption and eating behavior, alcohol- and body mass index (BMI)-related phenotypes show no or minimal genetic correlation. We hypothesized that the lack of genetic correlation is due to mixed effect directions of variants shared by AUD and BMI. Methods We applied MiXeR, to investigate shared genetic architecture between AUD and BMI in individuals of European ancestry. We used conjunctional false discovery rate (conjFDR) analysis to detect loci associated with both phenotypes and their directional effect, Functional Mapping and Annotation (FUMA) to identify lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) samples to examine gene expression enrichment across tissue types, and BrainXcan to evaluate the shared associations of AUD and BMI with brain image-derived phenotypes. Results MiXeR analysis indicated polygenic overlap of 80.9% between AUD and BMI, despite a genetic correlation (r g ) of -.03. ConjFDR analysis yielded 56 lead SNPs with the same effect direction and 76 with the opposite direction. Of the 132 shared lead SNPs, 53 were novel for both AUD and BMI. GTEx analyses identified significant overexpression in the frontal cortex (BA9), hypothalamus, cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (BA24), hippocampus, and amygdala. Amygdala and caudate nucleus gray matter volumes were significantly associated with both AUD and BMI in BrainXcan analyses. Conclusions More than half of variants significantly associated with AUD and BMI had opposite directions of effect for the traits, supporting our hypothesis that this is the basis for their lack of genetic correlation. Follow-up analyses identified brain regions implicated in executive functioning, reward, homeostasis, and food intake regulation. Together, these findings clarify the extensive polygenic overlap between AUD and BMI and elucidate several overlapping neurobiological mechanisms.
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5
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Mahalingam S, Bellamkonda R, Kharbanda KK, Arumugam MK, Kumar V, Casey CA, Leggio L, Rasineni K. Role of ghrelin hormone in the development of alcohol-associated liver disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116595. [PMID: 38640709 PMCID: PMC11161137 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116595] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Fatty liver is the earliest response of the liver to excessive alcohol consumption. Previously we identified that chronic alcohol administration increases levels of stomach-derived hormone, ghrelin, which by reducing circulating insulin levels, ultimately contributes to the development of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). In addition, ghrelin directly promotes fat accumulation in hepatocytes by enhancing de novo lipogenesis. Other than promoting ALD, ghrelin is known to increase alcohol craving and intake. In this study, we used a ghrelin receptor (GHSR) knockout (KO) rat model to characterize the specific contribution of ghrelin in the development of ALD with emphasis on energy homeostasis. Male Wistar wild type (WT) and GHSR-KO rats were pair-fed the Lieber-DeCarli control or ethanol diet for 6 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, glucose tolerance test was conducted, and tissue samples were collected. We observed reduced alcohol intake by GHSR-KOs compared to a previous study where WT rats were fed ethanol diet ad libitum. Further, when the WTs were pair-fed to GHSR-KOs, the KO rats exhibited resistance to develop ALD through improving insulin secretion/sensitivity to reduce adipose lipolysis and hepatic fatty acid uptake/synthesis and increase fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, proteomic data revealed that ethanol-fed KO exhibit less alcohol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress than WT rats. Proteomic data also confirmed that the ethanol-fed KOs are insulin sensitive and are resistant to hepatic steatosis development compared to WT rats. Together, these data confirm that inhibiting ghrelin action prevent alcohol-induced liver and adipose dysfunction independent of reducing alcohol intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundararajan Mahalingam
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ramesh Bellamkonda
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kusum K Kharbanda
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Madan Kumar Arumugam
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomic Core Facility, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Carol A Casey
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Karuna Rasineni
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Pietrzak M, Yngve A, Hamilton JP, Asratian A, Gauffin E, Löfberg A, Gustavson S, Persson E, Capusan AJ, Leggio L, Perini I, Tinghög G, Heilig M, Boehme R. Ghrelin decreases sensitivity to negative feedback and increases prediction-error related caudate activity in humans, a randomized controlled trial. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1042-1049. [PMID: 38409282 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01821-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The stomach-derived hormone ghrelin plays not only a role in feeding, starvation, and survival, but it has been suggested to also be involved in the stress response, in neuropsychiatric conditions, and in alcohol and drug use disorders. Mechanisms related to reward processing might mediate ghrelin's broader effects on complex behaviors, as indicated by animal studies and mostly correlative human studies. Here, using a within-subject double-blind placebo-controlled design with intravenous ghrelin infusion in healthy volunteers (n = 30), we tested whether ghrelin alters sensitivity to reward and punishment in a reward learning task. Parameters were derived from a computational model of participants' task behavior. The reversal learning task with monetary rewards was performed during functional brain imaging to investigate ghrelin effects on brain signals related to reward prediction errors. Compared to placebo, ghrelin decreased punishment sensitivity (t = -2.448, p = 0.021), while reward sensitivity was unaltered (t = 0.8, p = 0.43). We furthermore found increased prediction-error related activity in the dorsal striatum during ghrelin administration (region of interest analysis: t-values ≥ 4.21, p-values ≤ 0.044). Our results support a role for ghrelin in reward processing that extends beyond food-related rewards. Reduced sensitivity to negative outcomes and increased processing of prediction errors may be beneficial for food foraging when hungry but could also relate to increased risk taking and impulsivity in the broader context of addictive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Pietrzak
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Adam Yngve
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
| | - J Paul Hamilton
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Department of Medical and Biological Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, 5007, Norway
| | - Anna Asratian
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Emelie Gauffin
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Andreas Löfberg
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Sarah Gustavson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Emil Persson
- Division of Economics, Department of Management and Engineering, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Andrea J Capusan
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Irene Perini
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Gustav Tinghög
- Division of Economics, Department of Management and Engineering, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- National Center for Health Care Priority Setting, Department of Health Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Boehme
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden.
- Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, 58183, Sweden.
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Kulkarni SS, Singh O, Zigman JM. The intersection between ghrelin, metabolism and circadian rhythms. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024; 20:228-238. [PMID: 38123819 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00927-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing popular interest in sleep and diet, many gaps exist in our scientific understanding of the interaction between circadian rhythms and metabolism. In this Review, we explore a promising, bidirectional role for ghrelin in mediating this interaction. Ghrelin both influences and is influenced by central and peripheral circadian systems. Specifically, we focus on how ghrelin impacts outputs of circadian rhythm, including neuronal activity, circulating growth hormone levels, locomotor activity and eating behaviour. We also consider the effects of circadian rhythms on ghrelin expression and the consequences of disrupted circadian patterns, such as shift work and jet lag, on ghrelin secretion. Our Review is aimed at both the casual reader interested in gaining more insight into the scientific context surrounding the trending topics of sleep and metabolism, as well as experienced scientists in the fields of ghrelin and circadian biology seeking inspiration and a comprehensive overview of how these fields are related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya S Kulkarni
- Medical Scientist Training Program, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Omprakash Singh
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Zigman
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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8
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Balasubramanian R, Schneider E, Gunnigle E, Cotter PD, Cryan JF. Fermented foods: Harnessing their potential to modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis for mental health. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105562. [PMID: 38278378 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105562] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, whole food supplementation strategies have been leveraged to target mental health. In addition, there has been increasing attention on the ability of gut microbes, so called psychobiotics, to positively impact behaviour though the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Fermented foods offer themselves as a combined whole food microbiota modulating intervention. Indeed, they contain potentially beneficial microbes, microbial metabolites and other bioactives, which are being harnessed to target the microbiota-gut-brain axis for positive benefits. This review highlights the diverse nature of fermented foods in terms of the raw materials used and type of fermentation employed, and summarises their potential to shape composition of the gut microbiota, the gut to brain communication pathways including the immune system and, ultimately, modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Throughout, we identify knowledge gaps and challenges faced in designing human studies for investigating the mental health-promoting potential of individual fermented foods or components thereof. Importantly, we also suggest solutions that can advance understanding of the therapeutic merit of fermented foods to modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Balasubramanian
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Food Biosciences Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61C996, County Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Eoin Gunnigle
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul D Cotter
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Food Biosciences Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, P61C996, County Cork, Ireland.
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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9
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Hofford RS, Kiraly DD. Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Gut Microbiome Mechanisms in Substance Use Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:329-338. [PMID: 37573004 PMCID: PMC10884738 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders are a set of recalcitrant neuropsychiatric conditions that cause tremendous morbidity and mortality and are among the leading causes of loss of disability-adjusted life years worldwide. While each specific substance use disorder is driven by problematic use of a different substance, they all share a similar pattern of escalating and out-of-control substance use, continued use despite negative consequences, and a remitting/relapsing pattern over time. Despite significant advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of these conditions, current treatment options remain few and are ineffective for too many individuals. In recent years, there has been a rapidly growing body of literature demonstrating that the resident population of microbes in the gastrointestinal tract, collectively called the gut microbiome, plays an important role in modulating brain and behavior in preclinical and clinical studies of psychiatric disease. While these findings have not yet been translated into clinical practice, this remains an important and exciting avenue for translational research. In this review, we highlight the current state of microbiome-brain research within the substance use field with a focus on both clinical and preclinical studies. We also discuss potential neurobiological mechanisms underlying microbiome effects on models of substance use disorder and propose future directions to bring these findings from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Hofford
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Drew D Kiraly
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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10
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Pfabigan DM, Frogner ER, Schéle E, Thorsby PM, Skålhegg BS, Dickson SL, Sailer U. Ghrelin is related to lower brain reward activation during touch. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14443. [PMID: 37737514 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14443] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The gut hormone ghrelin drives food motivation and increases food intake, but it is also involved in the anticipation of and response to rewards other than food. This pre-registered study investigated how naturally varying ghrelin concentrations affect the processing of touch as a social reward in humans. Sixty-seven volunteers received slow caressing touch (so-called CT-targeted touch) as a social reward and control touch on their shins during 3T functional imaging on two test days. On one occasion, participants were fasted, and on another, they received a meal. On each occasion, plasma ghrelin was measured at three time points. All touch was rated as more pleasant after the meal, but there was no association between ghrelin concentrations and pleasantness. CT-targeted touch was rated as the most pleasant and activated somatosensory and reward networks (whole brain). A region-of-interest in the right medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) showed lower activation during all touches, the higher the ghrelin concentrations were. During CT-targeted touch, a larger satiety response (ghrelin decrease after the meal) was associated with higher mOFC activation, and this mOFC activation was associated with higher experienced pleasantness. Overall, higher ghrelin concentrations appear to be related to a lower reward value for touch. Ghrelin may reduce the value of social stimuli, such as touch, to promote food search and intake in a state of low energy. This suggests that the role of ghrelin goes beyond assigning value to food reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Pfabigan
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Endocrinology, Obesity and Nutrition, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - E R Frogner
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - E Schéle
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - P M Thorsby
- Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biochemical Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Group, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - B S Skålhegg
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - S L Dickson
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - U Sailer
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Tyler RE, Leggio L. Biological basis of addiction and alcohol use disorder. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0177. [PMID: 38831763 PMCID: PMC11146604 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
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12
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Marino RAM, Venniro M. Calcitonin receptor signal: a potential target for opioid use disorder? Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1835-1836. [PMID: 37580458 PMCID: PMC10584877 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01702-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A M Marino
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marco Venniro
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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13
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Zhang Y, Ben Nathan J, Moreno A, Merkel R, Kahng MW, Hayes MR, Reiner BC, Crist RC, Schmidt HD. Calcitonin receptor signaling in nucleus accumbens D1R- and D2R-expressing medium spiny neurons bidirectionally alters opioid taking in male rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1878-1888. [PMID: 37355732 PMCID: PMC10584857 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The high rates of relapse associated with current medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) necessitate research that expands our understanding of the neural mechanisms regulating opioid taking to identify molecular substrates that could be targeted by novel pharmacotherapies to treat OUD. Recent studies show that activation of calcitonin receptors (CTRs) is sufficient to reduce the rewarding effects of addictive drugs in rodents. However, the role of central CTR signaling in opioid-mediated behaviors has not been studied. Here, we used single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to characterize cell type-specific patterns of CTR expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region that plays a critical role in voluntary drug taking. Using these approaches, we identified CTRs expressed on D1R- and D2R-expressing medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the medial shell subregion of the NAc. Interestingly, Calcr transcripts were expressed at higher levels in D2R- versus D1R-expressing MSNs. Cre-dependent viral-mediated miRNA knockdown of CTRs in transgenic male rats was then used to determine the functional significance of endogenous CTR signaling in opioid taking. We discovered that reduced CTR expression specifically in D1R-expressing MSNs potentiated/augmented opioid self-administration. In contrast, reduced CTR expression specifically in D2R-expressing MSNs attenuated opioid self-administration. These findings highlight a novel cell type-specific mechanism by which CTR signaling in the ventral striatum bidirectionally modulates voluntary opioid taking and support future studies aimed at targeting central CTR-expressing circuits to treat OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafang Zhang
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer Ben Nathan
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Amanda Moreno
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Riley Merkel
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michelle W Kahng
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin C Reiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Richard C Crist
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Heath D Schmidt
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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14
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Pince CL, Whiting KE, Wang T, Lékó AH, Farinelli LA, Cooper D, Farokhnia M, Vendruscolo LF, Leggio L. Role of aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in addiction: A scoping review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 154:105427. [PMID: 37858908 PMCID: PMC10865927 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical and human studies suggest a role of aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in addiction. This scoping review aimed to summarize (1) the relationship between alcohol and other substance use disorders (ASUDs) and dysfunctions of the aldosterone and MR, and (2) how pharmacological manipulations of MR may affect ASUD-related outcomes. Our search in four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) indicated that most studies focused on the relationship between aldosterone, MR, and alcohol (n = 30), with the rest focused on opioids (n = 5), nicotine (n = 9), and other addictive substances (n = 9). Despite some inconsistencies, the overall results suggest peripheral and central dysregulations of aldosterone and MR in several species and that these dysregulations depended on the pattern of drug exposure and genetic factors. We conclude that MR antagonism may be a promising target in ASUD, yet future studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Pince
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Kimberly E Whiting
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Tammy Wang
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - András H Lékó
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Center on Compulsive Behaviors, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lisa A Farinelli
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Diane Cooper
- Office of Research Services, Division of Library Services, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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15
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Richardson RS, Sulima A, Rice KC, Kucharczk JA, Janda KD, Nisbett KE, Koob GF, Vendruscolo LF, Leggio L. Pharmacological GHSR (ghrelin receptor) blockade reduces alcohol binge-like drinking in male and female mice. Neuropharmacology 2023; 238:109643. [PMID: 37369277 PMCID: PMC10513123 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109643] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a peptide that is produced by endocrine cells that are primarily localized in the stomach. Ghrelin receptors (GHSR) are expressed in the brain and periphery. Preclinical and clinical studies support a role for ghrelin in alcohol drinking and seeking. The GHSR has been suggested to be a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the role of the ghrelin system and its potential modulation by biological sex on binge-like drinking has not been comprehensively investigated. The present study tested six GHSR antagonists in an alcohol binge-like drinking procedure in male and female mice. Systemic administration of the GHSR antagonists JMV2959, PF-5190457, PF-6870961, and HM-04 reduced alcohol intake in both male and female mice. YIL-781 decreased intake in males, and LEAP2 (likely peripherally restricted) did not reduce intake in mice of either sex. We also administered LEAP2 and JMV2959 intracerebroventricularly to investigate whether the effects of GHSR blockade on alcohol intake are mediated by central receptors. The central administration of LEAP2 and JMV2959 decreased alcohol intake, particularly in high-drinking animals. Finally, in a preliminary experiment, an anti-ghrelin vaccine was examined for its potential effect on binge-like drinking and had no effect. In all experiments, there was a lack of meaningful sex differences. These findings suggest that central GHSR mediates binge-like alcohol intake. These data reveal novel pharmacological compounds with translational potential in the treatment of AUD and provide further evidence of the GHSR as a potential treatment target for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani S Richardson
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; University of North Carolina School of Medicine MD/PhD Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jed A Kucharczk
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kim D Janda
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, WIRM Institute for Research and Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Khalin E Nisbett
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate College, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - George F Koob
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
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16
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Diaz LA, Winder GS, Leggio L, Bajaj JS, Bataller R, Arab JP. New insights into the molecular basis of alcohol abstinence and relapse in alcohol-associated liver disease. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00605. [PMID: 37862466 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder remains a significant public health concern, affecting around 5% of adults worldwide. Novel pathways of damage have been described during the last years, providing insight into the mechanism of injury due to alcohol misuse beyond the direct effect of ethanol byproducts on the liver parenchyma and neurobehavioral mechanisms. Thus, the gut-liver-brain axis and immune system involvement could be therapeutic targets for alcohol use disorder. In particular, changes in gut microbiota composition and function, and bile acid homeostasis, have been shown with alcohol consumption and cessation. Alcohol can also directly disrupt intestinal and blood-brain barriers. Activation of the immune system can be triggered by intestinal barrier dysfunction and translocation of bacteria, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (such as lipopolysaccharide), cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. These factors, in turn, promote liver and brain inflammation and the progression of liver fibrosis. Other involved mechanisms include oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and the release of extracellular vesicles and miRNA from hepatocytes. Potential therapeutic targets include gut microbiota (probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation), neuroinflammatory pathways, as well as neuroendocrine pathways, for example, the ghrelin system (ghrelin receptor blockade), incretin mimetics (glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs), and the mineralocorticoid receptor system (spironolactone). In addition, support with psychological and behavioral treatments is essential to address the multiple dimensions of alcohol use disorder. In the future, a personalized approach considering these novel targets can contribute to significantly decreasing the alcohol-associated burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Antonio Diaz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institutes of Health, NIDA and NIAAA, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Leggio L, Leko A, Gregory-Flores A, Marchette R, Gomez J, Vendruscolo J, Repunte-Canonigo V, Chuong V, Deschaine S, Whiting K, Jackson S, Cornejo M, Perello M, You ZB, Eckhaus M, Janda K, Zorman B, Sumazin P, Koob G, Michaelides M, Sanna PP, Vendruscolo L. Genetic or pharmacological GHSR blockade has sexually dimorphic effects in rodents on a high-fat diet. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3236045. [PMID: 37886546 PMCID: PMC10602167 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3236045/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The stomach-derived hormone ghrelin regulates essential physiological functions. The ghrelin receptor (GHSR) has ligand-independent actions, therefore, GHSR gene deletion may be a reasonable approach to investigate the role of this system in feeding behaviors and diet-induced obesity (DIO). Here we investigated the effects of a long-term (12 month) high-fat (HFD) versus regular diet on obesity-related measures in global GHSR-KO and wild type (WT) Wistar male and female rats. Our main findings were that the GHSR gene deletion protects against DIO and decreases food intake during HFD in male but not in female rats. GHSR gene deletion increased thermogenesis and brain glucose uptake in male rats and modified the effects of HFD on brain glucose metabolism in a sex-specific manner, as assessed with small animal positron emission tomography. RNA-sequencing was also used to show that GHSR-KO rats had upregulated expression of genes responsible for fat oxidation in brown adipose tissue. Central administration of a novel GHSR inverse agonist, PF-5190457, attenuated ghrelin-induced food intake, but only in male, not in female mice. HFD-induced binge-like eating was reduced by inverse agonism in both sexes. Our results support GHSR as a promising target for new pharmacotherapies for obesity.
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18
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Ayman J, Palotai M, Dochnal R, Bagosi Z. Ghrelin Amplifies the Nicotine-Induced Release of Dopamine in the Bed Nucleus of Stria Terminalis (BNST). Biomedicines 2023; 11:2456. [PMID: 37760897 PMCID: PMC10525377 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092456] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is an orexigenic neuropeptide that is known for stimulating the release of growth hormone (GH) and appetite. In addition, ghrelin has been implicated in addiction to drugs such as nicotine. Nicotine is the principal psychoactive component in tobacco and is responsible for the reward sensation produced by smoking. In our previous in vitro superfusion studies, it was demonstrated that ghrelin and nicotine stimulate equally the dopamine release in the rat amygdala, and ghrelin amplifies the nicotine-induced dopamine release in the rat striatum. However, less attention was paid to the actions of ghrelin and nicotine in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Therefore, in the present study, nicotine and ghrelin were superfused to the BNST of male Wistar rats, and the dopamine release from the BNST was measured in vitro. In order to determine which receptors mediate these effects, mecamylamine, a non-selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchR) antagonist, and GHRP-6, a selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1A) antagonist, were also superfused to the rat BNST. Nicotine significantly increased the release of dopamine, and this effect was significantly inhibited by mecamylamine. Ghrelin increased dopamine release even more significantly than nicotine did, and this effect was significantly inhibited by GHRP-6. Moreover, when administered together, ghrelin significantly amplified the nicotine-induced release of dopamine in the BNST, and this additive effect was reversed partly by mecamylamine and partly by GHRP-6. Therefore, the present study provides a new base of evidence for the involvement of ghrelin in dopamine signaling implicated in nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jázmin Ayman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Szent-Györgyi School of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6701 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Miklós Palotai
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Roberta Dochnal
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Health Center, Albert Szent-Györgyi School of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6701 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Zsolt Bagosi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi School of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
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19
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Olsson Y, Hodzic K, Wass C, Lidö H, Stangl BL, O'Connor S, Plawecki MH, Ramchandani VA, Söderpalm B, Jerlhag E. Free-access intravenous alcohol self-administration in social drinkers and individuals with alcohol use disorder: Evaluation of relationships with phosphatidylethanol and self-reported alcohol consumption. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:1453-1466. [PMID: 37331818 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The free-access (FA) intravenous alcohol self-administration (IV-ASA) paradigm is an experimental approach that can identify modulators of alcohol consumption in humans. Moreover, the outcome measures of IV-ASA paradigms are associated with self-reported alcohol intake using the timeline follow-back method (TLFB). To evaluate how FA IV-ASA reflects drinking in real life, we examined the relationship between an objective marker of recent alcohol intake, phosphatidylethanol in blood (B-PEth), and TLFB and measures obtained during IV-ASA in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and social drinkers (SD). We also explored the associations between these measures and gut-brain peptides involved in AUD pathophysiology. METHODS Thirty-eight participants completed a laboratory session in which they self-administered alcohol intravenously. The safety limit was 200 mg%, and main outcomes were mean and peak breath alcohol concentrations (BrAC). Blood samples were drawn prior to IV-ASA and subjective alcohol effects were rated during the experiment. RESULTS The study sample comprised 24 SD and 14 participants with DSM-5 mild AUD. Although BrACs were not associated with B-PEth or TLFB in the full sample or AUD subgroup, there was an association with TLFB in SD. In both subgroups, BrACs were associated with alcohol craving but with differential timing. Total ghrelin levels were higher in AUD participants than in SD. CONCLUSIONS No associations between B-PEth levels and achieved BrACs were observed in the mild AUD group, the SD group, or the full sample. The ability for FA IV-ASA to reflect recent drinking was confirmed only for TLFB in SD, whereas there were no associations within the smaller subsample of participants with mild AUD or in the full sample. Further studies that include a larger AUD sample are warranted. The association of BrACs with craving for alcohol suggests that the IV-ASA method may be useful for assessing interventions that target craving. This could be explored by using the FA IV-ASA model to evaluate the effects on craving of approved pharmacotherapies for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Olsson
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Beroendekliniken, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kenan Hodzic
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caroline Wass
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helga Lidö
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Beroendekliniken, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bethany L Stangl
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Martin H Plawecki
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Vijay A Ramchandani
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bo Söderpalm
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Beroendekliniken, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Jerlhag
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Chuong V, Farokhnia M, Khom S, Pince CL, Elvig SK, Vlkolinsky R, Marchette RC, Koob GF, Roberto M, Vendruscolo LF, Leggio L. The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue semaglutide reduces alcohol drinking and modulates central GABA neurotransmission. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e170671. [PMID: 37192005 PMCID: PMC10371247 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.170671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) system is involved in the neurobiology of addictive behaviors, and GLP-1 analogues may be used for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we examined the effects of semaglutide, a long-acting GLP-1 analogue, on biobehavioral correlates of alcohol use in rodents. A drinking-in-the-dark procedure was used to test the effects of semaglutide on binge-like drinking in male and female mice. We also tested the effects of semaglutide on binge-like and dependence-induced alcohol drinking in male and female rats, as well as acute effects of semaglutide on spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) from central amygdala (CeA) and infralimbic cortex (ILC) neurons. Semaglutide dose-dependently reduced binge-like alcohol drinking in mice; a similar effect was observed on the intake of other caloric/noncaloric solutions. Semaglutide also reduced binge-like and dependence-induced alcohol drinking in rats. Semaglutide increased sIPSC frequency in CeA and ILC neurons from alcohol-naive rats, suggesting enhanced GABA release, but had no overall effect on GABA transmission in alcohol-dependent rats. In conclusion, the GLP-1 analogue semaglutide decreased alcohol intake across different drinking models and species and modulated central GABA neurotransmission, providing support for clinical testing of semaglutide as a potentially novel pharmacotherapy for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Chuong
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program (NIDA IRP) and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research (NIAAA DICBR), NIH, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, NIDA IRP, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program (NIDA IRP) and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research (NIAAA DICBR), NIH, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sophia Khom
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claire L. Pince
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program (NIDA IRP) and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research (NIAAA DICBR), NIH, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, NIDA IRP, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sophie K. Elvig
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, NIDA IRP, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Roman Vlkolinsky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - George F. Koob
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, NIDA IRP, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Leandro F. Vendruscolo
- Stress and Addiction Neuroscience Unit, NIDA IRP and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program (NIDA IRP) and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research (NIAAA DICBR), NIH, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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21
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Wang Z, Luo C, Zhou EW, Sandhu AF, Yuan X, Williams GE, Cheng J, Sinha B, Akbar M, Bhattacharya P, Zhou S, Song BJ, Wang X. Molecular Toxicology and Pathophysiology of Comorbid Alcohol Use Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108805. [PMID: 37240148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing comorbidity of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious medical, economic, and social issue. However, the molecular toxicology and pathophysiological mechanisms of comorbid AUD and PTSD are not well understood and the identification of the comorbidity state markers is significantly challenging. This review summarizes the main characteristics of comorbidity between AUD and PTSD (AUD/PTSD) and highlights the significance of a comprehensive understanding of the molecular toxicology and pathophysiological mechanisms of AUD/PTSD, particularly following TBI, with a focus on the role of metabolomics, inflammation, neuroendocrine, signal transduction pathways, and genetic regulation. Instead of a separate disease state, a comprehensive examination of comorbid AUD and PTSD is emphasized by considering additive and synergistic interactions between the two diseases. Finally, we propose several hypotheses of molecular mechanisms for AUD/PTSD and discuss potential future research directions that may provide new insights and translational application opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zufeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Chengliang Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Edward W Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aaron F Sandhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xiaojing Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - George E Williams
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jialu Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bharati Sinha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mohammed Akbar
- Division of Neuroscience & Behavior, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Pallab Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Shuanhu Zhou
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Byoung-Joon Song
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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22
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Pierce MR, Hougland JL. A rising tide lifts all MBOATs: recent progress in structural and functional understanding of membrane bound O-acyltransferases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1167873. [PMID: 37250116 PMCID: PMC10213974 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1167873] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Acylation modifications play a central role in biological and physiological processes. Across a range of biomolecules from phospholipids to triglycerides to proteins, introduction of a hydrophobic acyl chain can dramatically alter the biological function and cellular localization of these substrates. Amongst the enzymes catalyzing these modifications, the membrane bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) family occupies an intriguing position as the combined substrate selectivities of the various family members span all three classes of these biomolecules. MBOAT-dependent substrates are linked to a wide range of health conditions including metabolic disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease. Like many integral membrane proteins, these enzymes have presented challenges to investigation due to their intractability to solubilization and purification. However, over the last several years new solubilization approaches coupled with computational modeling, crystallography, and cryoelectron microscopy have brought an explosion of structural information for multiple MBOAT family members. These studies enable comparison of MBOAT structure and function across members catalyzing modifications of all three substrate classes, revealing both conserved features amongst all MBOATs and distinct architectural features that correlate with different acylation substrates ranging from lipids to proteins. We discuss the methods that led to this renaissance of MBOAT structural investigations, our new understanding of MBOAT structure and implications for catalytic function, and the potential impact of these studies for development of new therapeutics targeting MBOAT-dependent physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah R. Pierce
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - James L. Hougland
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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23
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Xie L, Rungratanawanich W, Yang Q, Tong G, Fu E, Lu S, Liu Y, Akbar M, Song BJ, Wang X. Therapeutic strategies of small molecules in the microbiota-gut-brain axis for alcohol use disorder. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103552. [PMID: 36907319 PMCID: PMC10298843 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is important in maintaining the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS) and is regulated by the CNS environment and signals from the peripheral tissues. However, the mechanism and function of the MGBA in alcohol use disorder (AUD) are still not completely understood. In this review, we investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the onset of AUD and/or associated neuronal deficits and create a foundation for better treatment (and prevention) strategies. We summarize recent reports focusing on the alteration of the MGBA in AUD. Importantly, we highlight the properties of small-molecule short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), neurotransmitters, hormones, and peptides in the MGBA and discusses their usage as therapeutic agents against AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lushuang Xie
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610075, China
| | - Wiramon Rungratanawanich
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Qiang Yang
- Hubei Provincial Key Lab for Quality and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Food, Jing Brand Research Institute, Daye, Hubei 435100, China
| | - Guoqiang Tong
- Hubei Provincial Key Lab for Quality and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Food, Jing Brand Research Institute, Daye, Hubei 435100, China
| | - Eric Fu
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shiguang Lu
- Hubei Provincial Key Lab for Quality and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Food, Jing Brand Research Institute, Daye, Hubei 435100, China
| | - Yuancai Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Lab for Quality and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Food, Jing Brand Research Institute, Daye, Hubei 435100, China
| | - Mohammed Akbar
- Division of Neuroscience & Behavior, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Byoung-Joon Song
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Xin Wang
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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24
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Farokhnia M, Wang T, Jourdan T, Godlewski G, Farinelli LA, Kunos G, Leggio L. A human laboratory study on the link between alcohol administration and circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 245:109809. [PMID: 36822122 PMCID: PMC10084703 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that the crosstalk between the central nervous system and the periphery plays an important role in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric conditions, including addictive disorders. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is part of the liver-brain axis and regulates energy homeostasis, metabolism, and macronutrient intake. In addition, FGF21 signaling modulates alcohol intake and preference, and changes in FGF21 levels are observed following alcohol consumption. To further elucidate the relationship between alcohol use and FGF21, we assessed serum FGF21 concentrations in 16 non-treatment seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in a naturalistic outpatient setting, as well as a controlled laboratory experiment that included alcohol cue-reactivity, alcohol priming, and alcohol self-administration in a bar-like setting. FGF21 levels were stable during the outpatient phase when participants received placebo and had no significant lifestyle changes. During the bar-like laboratory experiment, a robust increase in serum FGF21 concentrations was found after the 2-hr alcohol self-administration session (F3, 49 = 23.39, p < 0.001). Percent change in FGF21 levels positively correlated with the amount of alcohol self-administered but did not reach statistical significance. No significant changes in FGF21 levels were found after exposure to alcohol cues or consuming the priming drink. Given the bidirectional link between FGF21 and alcohol, targeting the FGF21 system may be further examined as a potential pharmacotherapy for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tammy Wang
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tony Jourdan
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Pathophysiology of Dyslipidemia research group, INSERM UMR1231 Lipids, Nutrition, Cancer, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Grzegorz Godlewski
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lisa A Farinelli
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - George Kunos
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, MD, USA; Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
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25
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Ralevski E, Horvath TL, Shanabrough M, Newcomb J, Pisani E, Petrakis I. Ghrelin Predicts Stimulant and Sedative Effects of Alcohol in Heavy Drinkers. Alcohol Alcohol 2023; 58:100-106. [PMID: 36382470 PMCID: PMC9830489 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agac058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ghrelin levels and the subjective effects of alcohol in heavy drinkers, and to compare them to healthy controls. METHODS Ghrelin levels were collected as part of two laboratory studies. Both groups received either IV infusion of saline or high dose of alcohol (100 mg%). In the study of heavy drinkers, ghrelin was gathered on all subjects, but data was analyzed only for participants who received placebo (N=12). Healthy controls (N=20) came from another study that collected data on family history. Ghrelin levels and measures of alcohol effects (BAES, VAS, NDS, YCS [see manuscript for details]) were collected at 4 timepoints: baseline, before infusion, during infusion and after infusion. RESULTS IV alcohol significantly reduced ghrelin levels and higher fasting ghrelin levels were associated with more intense subjective alcohol effects. There were no differences in fasting ghrelin levels or subjective effects between heavy drinkers and controls. However, while both groups showed similar decline in ghrelin levels following alcohol infusion, on the placebo day, ghrelin levels in the healthy subjects increased significantly and exponentially over time while for the heavy drinkers ghrelin levels remained flat. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the role of ghrelin in reward mechanisms for alcohol. Contrary to others, we found no differences in fasting ghrelin levels or subjective experiences of alcohol between heavy drinkers and healthy controls. However, the group differences on the IV placebo day may be a possible indication of ghrelin abnormalities in heavy drinkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ralevski
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tamas L Horvath
- Program of Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven 06520, CT, USA
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven 06520, CT, USA
| | - Marya Shanabrough
- Program of Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven 06520, CT, USA
| | - Jenelle Newcomb
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily Pisani
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ismene Petrakis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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26
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Perelló M, Dickson SL, Zigman JM, Leggio L. Toward a consensus nomenclature for ghrelin, its non-acylated form, liver expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 and growth hormone secretagogue receptor. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13224. [PMID: 36580314 PMCID: PMC10078427 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The stomach-derived octanoylated peptide ghrelin was discovered in 1999 and recognized as an endogenous agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Subsequently, ghrelin has been shown to play key roles in controlling not only growth hormone secretion, but also a variety of other physiological functions including, but not limited to, food intake, reward-related behaviors, glucose homeostasis and gastrointestinal tract motility. Importantly, a non-acylated form of ghrelin, desacyl-ghrelin, can also be detected in biological samples. Desacyl-ghrelin, however, does not bind to GHSR at physiological levels, and its physiological role has remained less well-characterized than that of ghrelin. Ghrelin and desacyl-ghrelin are currently referred to in the literature using many different terms, highlighting the need for a consistent nomenclature. The variability of terms used to designate ghrelin can lead not only to confusion, but also to miscommunication, especially for those who are less familiar with the ghrelin literature. Thus, we conducted a survey among experts who have contributed to the ghrelin literature aiming to identify whether a consensus may be reached. Based on the results of this consensus, we propose using the terms "ghrelin" and "desacyl-ghrelin" to refer to the hormone itself and its non-acylated form, respectively. Based on the results of this consensus, we further propose using the terms "GHSR" for the receptor, and "LEAP2" for liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2, a recently recognized endogenous GHSR antagonist/inverse agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Perelló
- Grupo de Neurofisiología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), Universidad Nacional La Plata (UNLP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) y Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Suzanne L Dickson
- Department of Physiology/Endocrine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jeffrey M Zigman
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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27
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Jerlhag E. Animal studies reveal that the ghrelin pathway regulates alcohol-mediated responses. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1050973. [PMID: 36970276 PMCID: PMC10030715 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1050973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is often described as repeated phases of binge drinking, compulsive alcohol-taking, craving for alcohol during withdrawal, and drinking with an aim to a reduce the negative consequences. Although multifaceted, alcohol-induced reward is one aspect influencing the former three of these. The neurobiological mechanisms regulating AUD processes are complex and one of these systems is the gut-brain peptide ghrelin. The vast physiological properties of ghrelin are mediated via growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR, ghrelin receptor). Ghrelin is well known for its ability to control feeding, hunger, and metabolism. Moreover, ghrelin signaling appears central for alcohol-mediated responses; findings reviewed herein. In male rodents GHSR antagonism reduces alcohol consumption, prevents relapse drinking, and attenuates the motivation to consume alcohol. On the other hand, ghrelin increases the consumption of alcohol. This ghrelin-alcohol interaction is also verified to some extent in humans with high alcohol consumption. In addition, either pharmacological or genetic suppression of GHSR decreases several alcohol-related effects (behavioral or neurochemical). Indeed, this suppression blocks the alcohol-induced hyperlocomotion and dopamine release in nucleus accumbens as well as ablates the alcohol reward in the conditioned place preference model. Although not fully elucidated, this interaction appears to involve areas central for reward, such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and brain nodes targeted by VTA projections. As reviewed briefly, the ghrelin pathway does not only modulate alcohol-mediated effects, it regulates reward-related behaviors induced by addictive drugs. Although personality traits like impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors are common in patients with AUD, the role of the ghrelin pathway thereof is unknown and remains to be studied. In summary, the ghrelin pathway regulates addiction processes like AUD and therefore the possibility that GHSR antagonism reduces alcohol or drug-taking should be explored in randomized clinical trials.
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Kharbanda KK, Farokhnia M, Deschaine SL, Bhargava R, Rodriguez-Flores M, Casey CA, Goldstone AP, Jerlhag E, Leggio L, Rasineni K. Role of the ghrelin system in alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease: A narrative review. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:2149-2159. [PMID: 36316764 PMCID: PMC9772086 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14967] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Unhealthy alcohol consumption is a global health problem. Adverse individual, public health, and socioeconomic consequences are attributable to harmful alcohol use. Epidemiological studies have shown that alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are the top two pathologies among alcohol-related diseases. Consistent with the major role that the liver plays in alcohol metabolism, uncontrolled drinking may cause significant damage to the liver. This damage is initiated by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, which can further progress to advanced liver disease. The only effective therapeutic strategies currently available for ALD are alcohol abstinence or liver transplantation. Any molecule with dual-pronged effects at the central and peripheral organs controlling addictive behaviors and associated metabolic pathways are a potentially important therapeutic target for treating AUD and ALD. Ghrelin, a hormone primarily derived from the stomach, has such properties, and regulates both behavioral and metabolic functions. In this review, we highlight recent advances in understanding the peripheral and central functions of the ghrelin system and its role in AUD and ALD pathogenesis. We first discuss the correlation between blood ghrelin concentrations and alcohol use or abstinence. Next, we discuss the role of ghrelin in alcohol-seeking behaviors and finally its role in the development of fatty liver by metabolic regulations and organ crosstalk. We propose that a better understanding of the ghrelin system could open an innovative avenue for improved treatments for AUD and associated medical consequences, including ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusum K. Kharbanda
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara L. Deschaine
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Raghav Bhargava
- PsychoNeuroEndocrinology Research Group, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Marcela Rodriguez-Flores
- PsychoNeuroEndocrinology Research Group, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Carol A. Casey
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Anthony P. Goldstone
- PsychoNeuroEndocrinology Research Group, Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Elisabet Jerlhag
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Karuna Rasineni
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Osna NA, Rasineni K, Ganesan M, Donohue TM, Kharbanda KK. Pathogenesis of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1492-1513. [PMID: 36340300 PMCID: PMC9630031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption is a global healthcare problem with enormous social, economic, and clinical consequences. While chronic, heavy alcohol consumption causes structural damage and/or disrupts normal organ function in virtually every tissue of the body, the liver sustains the greatest damage. This is primarily because the liver is the first to see alcohol absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract via the portal circulation and second, because the liver is the principal site of ethanol metabolism. Alcohol-induced damage remains one of the most prevalent disorders of the liver and a leading cause of death or transplantation from liver disease. Despite extensive research on the pathophysiology of this disease, there are still no targeted therapies available. Given the multifactorial mechanisms for alcohol-associated liver disease pathogenesis, it is conceivable that a multitherapeutic regimen is needed to treat different stages in the spectrum of this disease.
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Key Words
- AA, Arachidonic acid
- ADH, Alcohol dehydrogenase
- AH, Alcoholic hepatitis
- ALD, Alcohol-associated liver disease
- ALDH, Aldehyde dehydrogenase
- ALT, Alanine transaminase
- ASH, Alcohol-associated steatohepatitis
- AST, Aspartate transaminase
- AUD, Alcohol use disorder
- BHMT, Betaine-homocysteine-methyltransferase
- CD, Cluster of differentiation
- COX, Cycloxygenase
- CTLs, Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes
- CYP, Cytochrome P450
- CYP2E1, Cytochrome P450 2E1
- Cu/Zn SOD, Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase
- DAMPs, Damage-associated molecular patterns
- DC, Dendritic cells
- EDN1, Endothelin 1
- ER, Endoplasmic reticulum
- ETOH, Ethanol
- EVs, Extracellular vesicles
- FABP4, Fatty acid-binding protein 4
- FAF2, Fas-associated factor family member 2
- FMT, Fecal microbiota transplant
- Fn14, Fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14
- GHS-R1a, Growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a
- GI, GOsteopontinastrointestinal tract
- GSH Px, Glutathione peroxidase
- GSSG Rdx, Glutathione reductase
- GST, Glutathione-S-transferase
- GWAS, Genome-wide association studies
- H2O2, Hydrogen peroxide
- HA, Hyaluronan
- HCC, Hepatocellular carcinoma
- HNE, 4-hydroxynonenal
- HPMA, 3-hydroxypropylmercapturic acid
- HSC, Hepatic stellate cells
- HSD17B13, 17 beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase 13
- HSP 90, Heat shock protein 90
- IFN, Interferon
- IL, Interleukin
- IRF3, Interferon regulatory factor 3
- JAK, Janus kinase
- KC, Kupffer cells
- LCN2, Lipocalin 2
- M-D, Mallory–Denk
- MAA, Malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde protein adducts
- MAT, Methionine adenosyltransferase
- MCP, Macrophage chemotactic protein
- MDA, Malondialdehyde
- MIF, Macrophage migration inhibitory factor
- Mn SOD, Manganese superoxide dismutase
- Mt, Mitochondrial
- NK, Natural killer
- NKT, Natural killer T-lymphocytes
- OPN, Osteopontin
- PAMP, Pathogen-associated molecular patterns
- PNPLA3, Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3
- PUFA, Polyunsaturated fatty acid
- RIG1, Retinoic acid inducible gene 1
- SAH, S-adenosylhomocysteine
- SAM, S-adenosylmethionine
- SCD, Stearoyl-CoA desaturase
- STAT, Signal transduction and activator of transcription
- TIMP1, Tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1
- TLR, Toll-like receptor
- TNF, Tumor necrosis factor-α
- alcohol
- alcohol-associated liver disease
- ethanol metabolism
- liver
- miRNA, MicroRNA
- p90RSK, 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Osna
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Karuna Rasineni
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Murali Ganesan
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Terrence M. Donohue
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Kusum K. Kharbanda
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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Fischler PV, Soyka M, Seifritz E, Mutschler J. Off-label and investigational drugs in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A critical review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:927703. [PMID: 36263121 PMCID: PMC9574013 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Compounds known to be successful in the treatment of alcohol use disorder include the aversive agent, Disulfiram, the glutamatergic NMDA receptor antagonist, Acamprosate, and the opioid receptor antagonists, Naltrexone and Nalmefene. Although all four are effective in maintaining abstinence or reduction of alcohol consumption, only a small percentage of patients receive pharmacological treatment. In addition, many other medications have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. In this review we summarize and compare Baclofen, Gabapentin, Topiramate, Ondansetron, Varenicline, Aripiprazole, Quetiapine, Clozapine, Antidepressants, Lithium, Neuropeptide Y, Neuropeptide S, Corticotropin-releasing factor antagonists, Oxytocin, PF-05190457, Memantine, Ifenprodil, Samidorphan, Ondelopran, ABT-436, SSR149415, Mifepristone, Ibudilast, Citicoline, Rimonabant, Surinabant, AM4113 and Gamma-hydroxybutyrate While some have shown promising results in the treatment of alcohol use disorder, others have disappointed and should be excluded from further investigation. Here we discuss the most promising results and highlight medications that deserve further preclinical or clinical study. Effective, patient-tailored treatment will require greater understanding provided by many more preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Valentin Fischler
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women’s Clinic Lucerne, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Pascal Valentin Fischler,
| | - Michael Soyka
- Psychiatric Hospital University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Director of the Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Clinic Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Orellana E, Horvath N, Farokhnia M, Leggio L, Hajnal A. Changes in Plasma Ghrelin Levels Following Surgical and Non-Surgical Weight-Loss in Female Rats Predict Alcohol Use. Brain Res Bull 2022; 188:179-186. [PMID: 35901985 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The weight-loss surgery Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a relatively effective, long-term treatment option for patients with morbid obesity. However, accumulating clinical evidence suggests that patients receiving RYGB may be at increased risk of developing alcohol use disorder. This observation has been repeatedly supported by preclinical studies showing rodents increase intake of ethanol (EtOH) after RYGB, and has been further confirmed by human studies. A promising alternative to RYGB is sleeve gastrectomy (SG), which has resulted in decreased EtOH consumption in some rodent studies. The exact mechanism underlying the differential alcohol outcomes after RYGB versus SG has yet to be elucidated. However, the gut hormone ghrelin has emerged as a potential candidate from previous preclinical studies specific to RYGB surgeries and due to its action to stimulate food and alcohol intake and cravings. To directly assess changes in plasma ghrelin levels following weigh loss surgeries in the context of alcohol intake, 24 female rats were separated into three surgical groups receiving RYGB, SG, or Sham surgery followed by caloric restriction to produce adiposity matched controls (Sham-AM). Blood was drawn for fasted and fed plasma ghrelin (acyl and des-acyl) assays at multiple time points: while on a normal diet (ND), after 5-week exposure to a high fat diet (HFD), following surgery, and after a series of two-bottle alcohol choice test with increasing concentrations (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%) of EtOH. Consistent with previous observations, RYGB rats drank more EtOH than SG rats across all concentrations. As expected, fasted ghrelin levels were blunted after HFD feeding, compared to normal diet baseline. After RYGB, fasted ghrelin levels returned to higher levels while remained blunted after SG and Sham-AM. Fed acyl ghrelin levels were significantly increased to above "normal" levels after RYGB, but remain low after SG and Sham-AM. Given that post-RYGB acyl ghrelin levels are raised to a fasted state regardless of actual prandial status, we conclude that RYGB may results in a hormonal state reminiscence of a fasted state with the inability of feeding to inhibit ghrelin production, an effect which could potentially contribute to increased EtOH intake following the surgery. In contrast, following SG, ghrelin levels in rats remain consistent with the fed state regardless of prandial status, potentially explaining lower alcohol intake and lower risk of developing AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Orellana
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences.
| | - Nelli Horvath
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andras Hajnal
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences
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Involvement of the ghrelin system in the maintenance and reinstatement of cocaine-motivated behaviors: a role of adrenergic action at peripheral β1 receptors. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1449-1460. [PMID: 34923576 PMCID: PMC9206024 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction is a significant medical and public concern. Despite decades of research effort, development of pharmacotherapy for cocaine use disorder remains largely unsuccessful. This may be partially due to insufficient understanding of the complex biological mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of this disorder. In the present study, we show that: (1) elevation of ghrelin by cocaine plays a critical role in maintenance of cocaine self-administration and cocaine-seeking motivated by cocaine-conditioned stimuli; (2) acquisition of cocaine-taking behavior is associated with the acquisition of stimulatory effects of cocaine by cocaine-conditioned stimuli on ghrelin secretion, and with an upregulation of ghrelin receptor mRNA levels in the ventral tegmental area (VTA); (3) blockade of ghrelin signaling by pretreatment with JMV2959, a selective ghrelin receptor antagonist, dose-dependently inhibits reinstatement of cocaine-seeking triggered by either cocaine or yohimbine in behaviorally extinguished animals with a history of cocaine self-administration; (4) JMV2959 pretreatment also inhibits brain stimulation reward (BSR) and cocaine-potentiated BSR maintained by optogenetic stimulation of VTA dopamine neurons in DAT-Cre mice; (5) blockade of peripheral adrenergic β1 receptors by atenolol potently attenuates the elevation in circulating ghrelin induced by cocaine and inhibits cocaine self-administration and cocaine reinstatement triggered by cocaine. These findings demonstrate that the endogenous ghrelin system plays an important role in cocaine-related addictive behaviors and suggest that manipulating and targeting this system may be viable for mitigating cocaine use disorder.
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Potretzke S, Lemieux A, Nakajima M, al'Absi M. Circulating ghrelin changes as a biomarker of the stress response and craving in abstinent smokers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 218:173423. [PMID: 35750154 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE There has been growing interest in the role of ghrelin in stress and addiction. Ghrelin regulates central reward mechanisms by mediating the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Stress also induces neurophysiological activations related to drug reward. However, the extent to which psychosocial stress is associated with changes in ghrelin levels has not been tested in individuals with nicotine dependency undergoing withdrawal, a condition known to induce stress-like symptoms. OBJECTIVES We investigated the association of stress-induced ghrelin, craving, and smoking lapse. METHODS Thirty-six smokers attended a laboratory session that included acute stress tasks during the initial phase of quitting. Self-report measures and biochemical samples were collected for the assessment of smoking status. Blood samples for the measurement of ghrelin and self-report measures of craving were collected multiple times throughout the session RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance controlling for gender found a significant main effect of sampling time and lapse group (p < 0.05). Ghrelin levels significantly increased over the pre-stress and post-stress periods (ps < 0.001), suggesting a delayed stress response. Those who lapsed during the study had higher ghrelin levels than those who were able to successfully abstain. A ghrelin stress response was calculated and a significant association was found between this response and craving, which changed across time points (ps < 0.008). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate that ghrelin is sensitive to acute manipulation of stress and that there is potential usefulness for ghrelin as a marker of stress, craving, and smoking lapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Potretzke
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 9997239, USA
| | - Andrine Lemieux
- University of Minnesota School of Medicine, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812-2487, USA
| | - Motohiro Nakajima
- University of Minnesota School of Medicine, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812-2487, USA
| | - Mustafa al'Absi
- University of Minnesota School of Medicine, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812-2487, USA.
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Péraldi-Roux S, Bayle M, M'Kadmi C, Damian M, Vaillé J, Fernandez G, Paula Cornejo M, Marie J, Banères JL, Ben Haj Salah K, Fehrentz JA, Cantel S, Perello M, Denoyelle S, Oiry C, Neasta J. Design and Characterization of a Triazole-Based Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor Modulator Inhibiting the Glucoregulatory and Feeding Actions of Ghrelin. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 202:115114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Involvement of the ghrelin system in the maintenance of oxycodone self-administration: converging evidence from endocrine, pharmacologic and transgenic approaches. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2171-2181. [PMID: 35064236 PMCID: PMC9133122 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01438-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone, has emerged as a critical biological substrate implicated in drug reward. However, the response of the ghrelin system to opioid-motivated behaviors and the role of ghrelin in oxycodone self-administration remain to be studied. Here, we investigated the reciprocal interactions between the endogenous ghrelin system and oxycodone self-administration behaviors in rats and the role of the ghrelin system in brain stimulation reward (BSR) driven by optogenetic stimulation of midbrain reward circuits in mice. Oxycodone self-administration significantly elevated plasma ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin and growth hormone and showed no effect on plasma LEAP2, a newly identified endogenous ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) antagonist. Oxycodone self-administration produced significant decreases in plasma gastric inhibitory polypeptide and insulin. Acquisition of oxycodone self-administration significantly upregulated GHS-R1a mRNA levels in dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a brain region critical in drug reward. Pretreatment with JMV2959, a selective GHS-R1a antagonist, dose-dependently reduced oxycodone self-administration and decreased the breakpoint for oxycodone under a progressive ratio reinforcement in Long-Evans rats. The inhibitory effects of JMV2959 on oxycodone self-administration is selectively mediated by GHS-R1a as JMV2959 showed a similar effect in Wistar wildtype but not in GHS-R knockout rats. JMV2959 pretreatment significantly inhibited BSR driven by selective stimulation of VTA dopamine neurons, but not by stimulation of striatal GABA neurons projecting to the VTA in mice. These findings suggest that elevation of ghrelin signaling by oxycodone or oxycodone-associated stimuli is a causal process by which oxycodone motivates oxycodone drug-taking and targeting the ghrelin system may be a viable treatment approach for opioid use disorders.
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Day AW, Kumamoto CA. Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in Alcoholism: Consequences for Health and Recovery. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:840164. [PMID: 35310839 PMCID: PMC8928144 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.840164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the mid 1980's, the impact of gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome changes during alcohol use disorder has been an area of significant interest. This work has resulted in the identification of specific changes in the abundance of certain members of the GI microbiome and the role these changes play in a variety of alcohol related disorders (i.e. alcoholic liver disease). Interestingly, some findings suggest a possible role for the GI microbiome in alcohol addiction or withdrawal. Unfortunately, there is a significant gap in knowledge in this area. Here we describe differences in the GI microbiome of alcoholic and non-alcoholic individuals and discuss the possible impact of microbes on the gut-brain axis, which could impact alcohol related behaviors (i.e. addiction). Understanding the role of the GI microbiome in alcohol related disorders will potentially lead to the development of successful microbiome-targeted therapeutics to help mitigate these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Whittier Day
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Carol A. Kumamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
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Sustkova-Fiserova M, Charalambous C, Khryakova A, Certilina A, Lapka M, Šlamberová R. The Role of Ghrelin/GHS-R1A Signaling in Nonalcohol Drug Addictions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:761. [PMID: 35054944 PMCID: PMC8776007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction causes constant serious health, social, and economic burden within the human society. The current drug dependence pharmacotherapies, particularly relapse prevention, remain limited, unsatisfactory, unreliable for opioids and tobacco, and even symptomatic for stimulants and cannabinoids, thus, new more effective treatment strategies are researched. The antagonism of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type A (GHS-R1A) has been recently proposed as a novel alcohol addiction treatment strategy, and it has been intensively studied in experimental models of other addictive drugs, such as nicotine, stimulants, opioids and cannabinoids. The role of ghrelin signaling in these drugs effects has also been investigated. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of preclinical and clinical studies focused on ghrelin's/GHS-R1A possible involvement in these nonalcohol addictive drugs reinforcing effects and addiction. Although the investigation is still in its early stage, majority of the existing reviewed experimental results from rodents with the addition of few human studies, that searched correlations between the genetic variations of the ghrelin signaling or the ghrelin blood content with the addictive drugs effects, have indicated the importance of the ghrelin's/GHS-R1As involvement in the nonalcohol abused drugs pro-addictive effects. Further research is necessary to elucidate the exact involved mechanisms and to verify the future potential utilization and safety of the GHS-R1A antagonism use for these drug addiction therapies, particularly for reducing the risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Sustkova-Fiserova
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Chrysostomos Charalambous
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Anna Khryakova
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Alina Certilina
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Marek Lapka
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Romana Šlamberová
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 4, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
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Amadieu C, Coste V, Neyrinck AM, Thijssen V, Leyrolle Q, Bindels LB, Piessevaux H, Stärkel P, de Timary P, Delzenne NM, Leclercq S. Restoring an adequate dietary fiber intake by inulin supplementation: a pilot study showing an impact on gut microbiota and sociability in alcohol use disorder patients. Gut Microbes 2022; 14:2007042. [PMID: 34923905 PMCID: PMC8726664 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.2007042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disease associated with malnutrition, metabolic disturbances, and gut microbiota alterations that are correlated with the severity of psychological symptoms. This study aims at supplementing AUD patients with prebiotic fiber during alcohol withdrawal, in order to modulate the gut microbiota composition and to evaluate its effect on gastrointestinal tolerance, metabolism, and patient's behavior. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 50 AUD patients assigned to inulin versus maltodextrin daily supplementation for 17 days. Biological measurements (fecal microbial 16S rDNA sequencing, serum biology), dietary intake, validated psychological questionnaires, and gastrointestinal tolerance assessment were performed before and after the intervention. Inulin significantly decreased the richness and evenness and induced changes of 8 genera (q < 0.1) including Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides. Prebiotic had minor effects on gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional intakes compared to placebo. All patients showed an improvement in depression, anxiety, and craving scores during alcohol withdrawal regardless of the intervention group. Interestingly, only patients treated with inulin significantly improved the sociability score and had an increased serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This pilot study shows that inulin is well tolerated and modulates the gut microbiota and the social behavior in AUD patients, without further improving other psychological and biological parameters as compared to placebo. Gut2Brain study, clinicaltrial.gov: NCT03803709, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03803709.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Amadieu
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Valentin Coste
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Audrey M. Neyrinck
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Victoria Thijssen
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Leyrolle
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laure B. Bindels
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hubert Piessevaux
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Belgium
| | - Peter Stärkel
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Belgium
| | - Philippe de Timary
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie M. Delzenne
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Leclercq
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique De Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Deschaine SL, Farokhnia M, Gregory-Flores A, Zallar LJ, You ZB, Sun H, Harvey DM, Marchette RCN, Tunstall BJ, Mani BK, Moose JE, Lee MR, Gardner E, Akhlaghi F, Roberto M, Hougland JL, Zigman JM, Koob GF, Vendruscolo LF, Leggio L. A closer look at alcohol-induced changes in the ghrelin system: novel insights from preclinical and clinical data. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13033. [PMID: 33908131 PMCID: PMC8548413 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a gastric-derived peptide hormone with demonstrated impact on alcohol intake and craving, but the reverse side of this bidirectional link, that is, the effects of alcohol on the ghrelin system, remains to be fully established. To further characterize this relationship, we examined (1) ghrelin levels via secondary analysis of human laboratory alcohol administration experiments with heavy-drinking participants; (2) expression of ghrelin, ghrelin receptor, and ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT) genes (GHRL, GHSR, and MBOAT4, respectively) in post-mortem brain tissue from individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) versus controls; (3) ghrelin levels in Ghsr knockout and wild-type rats following intraperitoneal (i.p.) alcohol administration; (4) effect of alcohol on ghrelin secretion from gastric mucosa cells ex vivo and GOAT enzymatic activity in vitro; and (5) ghrelin levels in rats following i.p. alcohol administration versus a calorically equivalent non-alcoholic sucrose solution. Acyl- and total-ghrelin levels decreased following acute alcohol administration in humans, but AUD was not associated with changes in central expression of ghrelin system genes in post-mortem tissue. In rats, alcohol decreased acyl-ghrelin, but not des-acyl-ghrelin, in both Ghsr knockout and wild-type rats. No dose-dependent effects of alcohol were observed on acyl-ghrelin secretion from gastric mucosa cells or on GOAT acylation activity. Lastly, alcohol and sucrose produced distinct effects on ghrelin in rats despite equivalent caloric value. Our findings suggest that alcohol acutely decreases peripheral ghrelin concentrations in vivo, but not in proportion to alcohol's caloric value or through direct interaction with ghrelin-secreting gastric mucosal cells, the ghrelin receptor, or the GOAT enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L. Deschaine
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National, Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National, Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adriana Gregory-Flores
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National, Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lia J. Zallar
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National, Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhi-Bing You
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hui Sun
- Clinical Core Laboratory, Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Deon M. Harvey
- Office of the Scientific Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Renata C. N. Marchette
- Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA,Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brendan J. Tunstall
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bharath K. Mani
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jacob E. Moose
- Syracuse Biomaterials Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA,Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Mary R. Lee
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National, Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eliot Gardner
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fatemeh Akhlaghi
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - James L. Hougland
- Syracuse Biomaterials Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA,Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA,BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Zigman
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA,Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - George F. Koob
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Leandro F. Vendruscolo
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National, Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA,Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA,Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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40
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Deschaine SL, Leggio L. From "Hunger Hormone" to "It's Complicated": Ghrelin Beyond Feeding Control. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022; 37:5-15. [PMID: 34964687 PMCID: PMC8742734 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00024.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Discovered as a peptide involved in releasing growth hormone, ghrelin was initially characterized as the "hunger hormone." However, emerging research indicates that ghrelin appears to play an important part in relaying information regarding nutrient availability and value and adjusting physiological and motivational processes accordingly. These functions make ghrelin an interesting therapeutic candidate for metabolic and neuropsychiatric diseases involving disrupted nutrition that can further potentiate the rewarding effect of maladaptive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L. Deschaine
- 1Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- 1Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland,2Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland,3Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island,4Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland,5Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
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41
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Sulima A, Akhlaghi F, Leggio L, Rice KC. Synthesis of PF-6870961, a major hydroxy metabolite of the novel ghrelin receptor inverse agonist PF-5190457. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 50:116465. [PMID: 34662828 PMCID: PMC9837661 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116465] [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] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical and human studies have indicated involvement of the ghrelin system in alcohol-related behaviors illuminating the possibility of using ghrelin receptor blockers as a pharmacological intervention for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Preliminary data from a recently conducted phase 1b human study with a ghrelin receptor inverse agonist, PF-5190457 (2-(2-methylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3thiazol-6-yl)-1-{2-(1R)-5-(6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl]-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]non-7-ylethanone), provided evidence on the safety and tolerability of this compound when co-administered with alcohol. Furthermore, the study revealed important information on the biotransformation pathways for this compound and prompted the discovery and then synthesis of a newly identified major metabolite, PF-6870961 ((R)-1-(2-(5-(2-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-7-yl)-2-(2-methylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-6-yl)ethan-1-one). The metabolite was synthesized and fully characterized through a design that enabled it to be prepared in useful quantities. The synthesis provided direct access to the recently discovered PF-6870961 and is allowing researchers to conduct additional and deeper evaluation of its in vitro and in vivo properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Sulima
- Medication Development Program, Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-3373, United States; Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States.
| | - Fatemeh Akhlaghi
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States; Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Medication Development Program, Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-3373, United States; Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States.
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Kärkkäinen O, Farokhnia M, Klåvus A, Auriola S, Lehtonen M, Deschaine SL, Piacentino D, Abshire KM, Jackson SN, Leggio L. Effect of intravenous ghrelin administration, combined with alcohol, on circulating metabolome in heavy drinking individuals with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:2207-2216. [PMID: 34590334 PMCID: PMC8642277 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ghrelin may influence several alcohol-related behaviors in animals and humans by modulating central and/or peripheral biological pathways. The aim of this exploratory analysis was to investigate associations between ghrelin administration and the human circulating metabolome during alcohol exposure in nontreatment seeking, heavy drinking individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). METHODS We used serum samples from a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled human laboratory study with intravenous (IV) ghrelin or placebo infusion in two experiments. During each session, participants received a loading dose (3 µg/kg) followed by continuous infusion (16.9 ng/kg/min) of acyl ghrelin or placebo. The first experiment included an IV alcohol self-administration (IV-ASA) session and the second experiment included an IV alcohol clamp (IV-AC) session, both with the counterbalanced infusion of ghrelin or placebo. Serum metabolite profiles were analyzed from repeated blood samples collected during each session. RESULTS In both experiments, ghrelin infusion was associated with an altered serum metabolite profile, including significantly increased levels of cortisol (IV-ASA q-value = 0.0003 and IV-AC q < 0.0001), corticosterone (IV-ASA q = 0.0202 and IV-AC q < 0.0001), and glycochenodeoxycholic acid (IV-ASA q = 0.0375 and IV-AC q = 0.0013). In the IV-ASA experiment, ghrelin infusion increased levels of cortisone (q = 0.0352) and fatty acids 18:1 (q = 0.0406) and 18:3 (q = 0.0320). Moreover, in the IV-AC experiment, ghrelin infusion significantly increased levels of glycocholic acid (q < 0.0001) and phenylalanine (q = 0.0458). CONCLUSION IV ghrelin infusion, combined with IV alcohol administration, was associated with increases in the circulating metabolite levels of corticosteroids and glycine-conjugated bile acids, among other changes. Further research is needed to understand the role that metabolomic changes play in the complex interaction between ghrelin and alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olli Kärkkäinen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anton Klåvus
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marko Lehtonen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sara L. Deschaine
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Daria Piacentino
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kelly M. Abshire
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shelley N. Jackson
- Translational Analytical Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Translational Analytical Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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43
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Review of Changes in the Reinforcing Effects of Alcohol in Weight Loss Surgery Patients. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:69. [PMID: 34613467 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The reinforcing effects of alcohol are well documented, and they have been shown to play a role in the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Also well established is the fact that post-weight loss surgery (WLS) patients are at an increased risk for AUDs. In the current manuscript, we review the notion that the reinforcing effects of alcohol may change from before to after WLS and discuss a number of determinants of alcohol reinforcement change in WLS patients. RECENT FINDINGS It has been increasingly well understood that WLS patients are at an increased risk for AUD, but empirical support for the mechanisms that may cause this phenomenon have been lacking. Recently, a model was proposed that offered a number of different potentially causal variables as mechanisms that result in increased risk for AUD in these surgical patients. Change in the extent to which alcohol is reinforcing to WLS patients may be key in determining the likelihood of AUDs in this group. We review a host of biological, psychological, and social variables that ultimately impact how reinforcing alcohol is to WLS patients.
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A population-based investigation of the association between alcohol intake and serum total ghrelin concentrations among cigarette-smoking, non-alcohol-dependent male individuals. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 226:108835. [PMID: 34214881 PMCID: PMC8355123 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ghrelin plays significant roles in regulating appetite, food intake, and metabolism. Furthermore, the ghrelin system is increasingly being studied in relation to alcohol seeking behaviors. To this end, it is important to understand the possible effects of alcohol intake on the ghrelin system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between alcohol drinking and circulating ghrelin levels in a large sample of cigarette-smoking, non-alcohol-dependent male individuals. METHODS We utilized data from two nested case-control studies (study A, n = 807; study B, n = 976) based within the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) trial. Data on alcohol consumption (grams of pure alcohol consumed per day) were obtained via a food frequency questionnaire. Blood samples were also collected (after 12 h of fasting), and serum concentrations of total ghrelin were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS Dichotomous comparison between alcohol drinkers (>0 g/day of alcohol intake) and non-drinkers (0 g/day of alcohol intake) found higher total ghrelin levels among individuals who drank alcohol than those who did not, with statistically significant results in study A [F (1, 798) = 4.32, P = 0.03] and less robust results in study B [F (1, 966) = 2.62, P = 0.10], controlling for a list of factors that may influence ghrelin levels and/or differ between drinkers and non-drinkers. Bivariate correlational analysis among drinkers found no association between the quantity of daily alcohol intake and blood total ghrelin concentrations. CONCLUSION These results indicate elevated ghrelin levels among alcohol drinkers and provide additional/relevant information on the complex interaction between alcohol use and the ghrelin system.
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Chen WG, Schloesser D, Arensdorf AM, Simmons JM, Cui C, Valentino R, Gnadt JW, Nielsen L, Hillaire-Clarke CS, Spruance V, Horowitz TS, Vallejo YF, Langevin HM. The Emerging Science of Interoception: Sensing, Integrating, Interpreting, and Regulating Signals within the Self. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:3-16. [PMID: 33378655 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interoception refers to the representation of the internal states of an organism, and includes the processes by which it senses, interprets, integrates, and regulates signals from within itself. This review presents a unified research framework and attempts to offer definitions for key terms to describe the processes involved in interoception. We elaborate on these definitions through illustrative research findings, and provide brief overviews of central aspects of interoception, including the anatomy and function of neural and non-neural pathways, diseases and disorders, manipulations and interventions, and predictive modeling. We conclude with discussions about major research gaps and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen G Chen
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Dana Schloesser
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Angela M Arensdorf
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Janine M Simmons
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Changhai Cui
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rita Valentino
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James W Gnadt
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lisbeth Nielsen
- National Institute on Aging (NIA), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Victoria Spruance
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Todd S Horowitz
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yolanda F Vallejo
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Helene M Langevin
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Davis TR, Pierce MR, Novak SX, Hougland JL. Ghrelin octanoylation by ghrelin O-acyltransferase: protein acylation impacting metabolic and neuroendocrine signalling. Open Biol 2021; 11:210080. [PMID: 34315274 PMCID: PMC8316800 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The acylated peptide hormone ghrelin impacts a wide range of physiological processes but is most well known for controlling hunger and metabolic regulation. Ghrelin requires a unique posttranslational modification, serine octanoylation, to bind and activate signalling through its cognate GHS-R1a receptor. Ghrelin acylation is catalysed by ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT), a member of the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) enzyme family. The ghrelin/GOAT/GHS-R1a system is defined by multiple unique aspects within both protein biochemistry and endocrinology. Ghrelin serves as the only substrate for GOAT within the human proteome and, among the multiple hormones involved in energy homeostasis and metabolism such as insulin and leptin, acts as the only known hormone in circulation that directly stimulates appetite and hunger signalling. Advances in GOAT enzymology, structural modelling and inhibitor development have revolutionized our understanding of this enzyme and offered new tools for investigating ghrelin signalling at the molecular and organismal levels. In this review, we briefly summarize the current state of knowledge regarding ghrelin signalling and ghrelin/GOAT enzymology, discuss the GOAT structural model in the context of recently reported MBOAT enzyme superfamily member structures, and highlight the growing complement of GOAT inhibitors that offer options for both ghrelin signalling studies and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha R Davis
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244 USA
| | - Mariah R Pierce
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244 USA
| | - Sadie X Novak
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244 USA
| | - James L Hougland
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244 USA.,BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244 USA
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Converging vulnerability factors for compulsive food and drug use. Neuropharmacology 2021; 196:108556. [PMID: 33862029 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Highly palatable foods and substance of abuse have intersecting neurobiological, metabolic and behavioral effects relevant for understanding vulnerability to conditions related to food (e.g., obesity, binge eating disorder) and drug (e.g., substance use disorder) misuse. Here, we review data from animal models, clinical populations and epidemiological evidence in behavioral, genetic, pathophysiologic and therapeutic domains. Results suggest that consumption of highly palatable food and drugs of abuse both impact and conversely are regulated by metabolic hormones and metabolic status. Palatable foods high in fat and/or sugar can elicit adaptation in brain reward and withdrawal circuitry akin to substances of abuse. Intake of or withdrawal from palatable food can impact behavioral sensitivity to drugs of abuse and vice versa. A robust literature suggests common substrates and roles for negative reinforcement, negative affect, negative urgency, and impulse control deficits, with both highly palatable foods and substances of abuse. Candidate genetic risk loci shared by obesity and alcohol use disorders have been identified in molecules classically associated with both metabolic and motivational functions. Finally, certain drugs may have overlapping therapeutic potential to treat obesity, diabetes, binge-related eating disorders and substance use disorders. Taken together, data are consistent with the hypotheses that compulsive food and substance use share overlapping, interacting substrates at neurobiological and metabolic levels and that motivated behavior associated with feeding or substance use might constitute vulnerability factors for one another. This article is part of the special issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse'.
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48
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A biological framework for emotional dysregulation in alcohol misuse: from gut to brain. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1098-1118. [PMID: 33288871 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00970-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been associated with impairments in social and emotional cognition that play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of addiction. Repeated alcohol intoxications trigger inflammatory processes and sensitise the immune system. In addition, emerging data point to perturbations in the gut microbiome as a key regulator of the inflammatory cascade in AUD. Inflammation and social cognition are potent modulators of one another. At the same time, accumulating evidence implicates the gut microbiome in shaping emotional and social cognition, suggesting the possibility of a common underlying loop of crucial importance for addiction. Here we propose an integrative microbiome neuro-immuno-affective framework of how emotional dysregulation and alcohol-related microbiome dysbiosis could accelerate the cycle of addiction. We outline the overlapping effects of chronic alcohol use, inflammation and microbiome alterations on the fronto-limbic circuitry as a convergence hub for emotional dysregulation. We discuss the interdependent relationship of social cognition, immunity and the microbiome in relation to alcohol misuse- from binge drinking to addiction. In addition, we emphasise adolescence as a sensitive period for the confluence of alcohol harmful effects and emotional dysregulation in the developing gut-brain axis.
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Morley KC, Perry CJ, Watt J, Hurzeler T, Leggio L, Lawrence AJ, Haber P. New approved and emerging pharmacological approaches to alcohol use disorder: a review of clinical studies. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:1291-1303. [PMID: 33615945 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1892641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
introduction: The number of medications approved for AUD is small and they generally have limited efficacy. We need new pharmacotherapies for the management of AUD.Areas covered: In this review, the authors aim to synthesise literature for new approved and emerging pharmacotherapies for AUD. Recently approved medications include nalmefene, which was approved in Europe and Australia for the purposes of controlled drinking. Baclofen has also been approved in France but not in other countries. Off label medications including topiramate and gabapentin have received significant attention with multiple RCTs and meta-analyses and have widespread use in several countries including the USA. Several novel medications have emerged over the last decade but further work is required to determine their efficacy and safety for the widespread management of AUD.Expert opinion: Despite significant advances in our understanding of the neurobiological basis of factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of AUD, there have been few new AUD medications approved for almost 20 years. There are many challenges to the development and introduction of new pharmacotherapies for AUD. Strategies for improving the translational pipeline include drug repurposing and utilisation of human acute laboratory models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten C Morley
- Central Clinical School, Sydney School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Christina J Perry
- University of Melbourne, Mental Health Theme, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Joshua Watt
- Edith Collins Centre (Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Tristan Hurzeler
- Central Clinical School, Sydney School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA.,Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- University of Melbourne, Mental Health Theme, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia.,Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Paul Haber
- Central Clinical School, Sydney School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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50
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Agarwal K, Manza P, Leggio L, Livinski AA, Volkow ND, Joseph PV. Sensory cue reactivity: Sensitization in alcohol use disorder and obesity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:326-357. [PMID: 33587959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuroimaging techniques to measure the function of the human brain such as electroencephalography (EEG), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), are powerful tools for understanding the underlying neural circuitry associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and obesity. The sensory (visual, taste and smell) paradigms used in neuroimaging studies represent an ideal platform to investigate the connection between the different neural circuits subserving the reward/executive control systems in these disorders, which may offer a translational mechanism for novel intervention predictions. Thus, the current review provides an integrated summary of the recent neuroimaging studies that have applied cue-reactivity paradigms and neuromodulation strategies to explore underlying alterations in neural circuitry as well in treatment strategies in AUD and obesity. Finally, we discuss literature on mechanisms associated with increased alcohol sensitivity post-bariatric surgery (BS) which offers guidance for future research to use sensory percepts in elucidating the relation of reward signaling in AUD development post-BS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushbu Agarwal
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter Manza
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda and Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda and Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paule Valery Joseph
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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