1
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Achanta LB, Thomas DS, Housley GD, Rae CD. AMP-activated protein kinase activators have compound and concentration-specific effects on brain metabolism. J Neurochem 2024; 168:677-692. [PMID: 36977628 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15815] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key sensor of energy balance playing important roles in the balancing of anabolic and catabolic activities. The high energy demands of the brain and its limited capacity to store energy indicate that AMPK may play a significant role in brain metabolism. Here, we activated AMPK in guinea pig cortical tissue slices, both directly with A769662 and PF 06409577 and indirectly with AICAR and metformin. We studied the resultant metabolism of [1-13C]glucose and [1,2-13C]acetate using NMR spectroscopy. We found distinct activator concentration-dependent effects on metabolism, which ranged from decreased metabolic pool sizes at EC50 activator concentrations with no expected stimulation in glycolytic flux to increased aerobic glycolysis and decreased pyruvate metabolism with certain activators. Further, activation with direct versus indirect activators produced distinct metabolic outcomes at both low (EC50) and higher (EC50 × 10) concentrations. Specific direct activation of β1-containing AMPK isoforms with PF 06409577 resulted in increased Krebs cycle activity, restoring pyruvate metabolism while A769662 increased lactate and alanine production, as well as labelling of citrate and glutamine. These results reveal a complex metabolic response to AMPK activators in brain beyond increased aerobic glycolysis and indicate that further research is warranted into their concentration- and mechanism-dependent impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya B Achanta
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker St, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Donald S Thomas
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Caroline D Rae
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker St, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia
- School of Psychology, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
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2
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Wang W, Ma X, Du W, Lin R, Li Z, Jiang W, Wang LY, Worley PF, Xu T. Small G-Protein Rheb Gates Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling to Regulate Morphine Tolerance in Mice. Anesthesiology 2024; 140:786-802. [PMID: 38147625 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004885] [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: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analgesic tolerance due to long-term use of morphine remains a challenge for pain management. Morphine acts on μ-opioid receptors and downstream of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway to activate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Rheb is an important regulator of growth and cell-cycle progression in the central nervous system owing to its critical role in the activation of mTOR. The hypothesis was that signaling via the GTP-binding protein Rheb in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord is involved in morphine-induced tolerance. METHODS Male and female wild-type C57BL/6J mice or transgenic mice (6 to 8 weeks old) were injected intrathecally with saline or morphine twice daily at 12-h intervals for 5 consecutive days to establish a tolerance model. Analgesia was assessed 60 min later using the tail-flick assay. After 5 days, the spine was harvested for Western blot or immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS Chronic morphine administration resulted in the upregulation of spinal Rheb by 4.27 ± 0.195-fold (P = 0.0036, n = 6), in turn activating mTOR by targeting rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Genetic overexpression of Rheb impaired morphine analgesia, resulting in a tail-flick latency of 4.65 ± 1.10 s (P < 0.0001, n = 7) in Rheb knock-in mice compared to 10 s in control mice (10 ± 0 s). Additionally, Rheb overexpression in spinal excitatory neurons led to mTORC1 signaling overactivation. Genetic knockout of Rheb or inhibition of mTORC1 signaling by rapamycin potentiated morphine-induced tolerance (maximum possible effect, 52.60 ± 9.56% in the morphine + rapamycin group vs. 16.60 ± 8.54% in the morphine group; P < 0.0001). Moreover, activation of endogenous adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibited Rheb upregulation and retarded the development of morphine-dependent tolerance (maximum possible effect, 39.51 ± 7.40% in morphine + metformin group vs. 15.58 ± 5.79% in morphine group; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests spinal Rheb as a key molecular factor for regulating mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaqing Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Raozhou Lin
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Zhongping Li
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu-Yang Wang
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul F Worley
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China; and Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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3
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Fotio Y, Mabou Tagne A, Squire E, Lee HL, Phillips CM, Chang K, Ahmed F, Greenberg AS, Villalta SA, Scarfone VM, Spadoni G, Mor M, Piomelli D. NAAA-regulated lipid signaling in monocytes controls the induction of hyperalgesic priming in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1705. [PMID: 38402219 PMCID: PMC10894261 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46139-5] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating monocytes participate in pain chronification but the molecular events that cause their deployment are unclear. Using a mouse model of hyperalgesic priming (HP), we show that monocytes enable progression to pain chronicity through a mechanism that requires transient activation of the hydrolase, N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), and the consequent suppression of NAAA-regulated lipid signaling at peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α). Inhibiting NAAA in the 72 hours following administration of a priming stimulus prevented HP. This effect was phenocopied by NAAA deletion and depended on PPAR-α recruitment. Mice lacking NAAA in CD11b+ cells - monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils - were resistant to HP induction. Conversely, mice overexpressing NAAA or lacking PPAR-α in the same cells were constitutively primed. Depletion of monocytes, but not resident macrophages, generated mice that were refractory to HP. The results identify NAAA-regulated signaling in monocytes as a control node in the induction of HP and, potentially, the transition to pain chronicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Fotio
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alex Mabou Tagne
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Erica Squire
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hye-Lim Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Connor M Phillips
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kayla Chang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Faizy Ahmed
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - S Armando Villalta
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa M Scarfone
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Gilberto Spadoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università di Urbino "Carlo Bo,", Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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4
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Qi Y, Zhang YM, Gao YN, Chen WG, Zhou T, Chang L, Zang Y, Li J. AMPK role in epilepsy: a promising therapeutic target? J Neurol 2024; 271:748-771. [PMID: 38010498 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12062-w] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex and multifaceted neurological disorder characterized by spontaneous and recurring seizures. It poses significant therapeutic challenges due to its diverse etiology and often-refractory nature. This comprehensive review highlights the pivotal role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key metabolic regulator involved in cellular energy homeostasis, which may be a promising therapeutic target for epilepsy. Current therapeutic strategies such as antiseizure medication (ASMs) can alleviate seizures (up to 70%). However, 30% of epileptic patients may develop refractory epilepsy. Due to the complicated nature of refractory epilepsy, other treatment options such as ketogenic dieting, adjunctive therapy, and in limited cases, surgical interventions are employed. These therapy options are only suitable for a select group of patients and have limitations of their own. Current treatment options for epilepsy need to be improved. Emerging evidence underscores a potential association between impaired AMPK functionality in the brain and the onset of epilepsy, prompting an in-depth examination of AMPK's influence on neural excitability and ion channel regulation, both critical factors implicated in epileptic seizures. AMPK activation through agents such as metformin has shown promising antiepileptic effects in various preclinical and clinical settings. These effects are primarily mediated through the inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway, activation of the AMPK-PI3K-c-Jun pathway, and stimulation of the PGC-1α pathway. Despite the potential of AMPK-targeted therapies, several aspects warrant further exploration, including the detailed mechanisms of AMPK's role in different brain regions, the impact of AMPK under various conditional circumstances such as neural injury and zinc toxicity, the long-term safety and efficacy of chronic metformin use in epilepsy treatment, and the potential benefits of combination therapy involving AMPK activators. Moreover, the efficacy of AMPK activators in refractory epilepsy remains an open question. This review sets the stage for further research with the aim of enhancing our understanding of the role of AMPK in epilepsy, potentially leading to the development of more effective, AMPK-targeted therapeutic strategies for this challenging and debilitating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbei Qi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong-Mei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ya-Nan Gao
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-Gang Chen
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liuliu Chang
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yi Zang
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jia Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China.
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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5
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Yousuf MS, Sahn JJ, Yang H, David ET, Shiers S, Mancilla Moreno M, Iketem J, Royer DM, Garcia CD, Zhang J, Hong VM, Mian SM, Ahmad A, Kolber BJ, Liebl DJ, Martin SF, Price TJ. Highly specific σ 2R/TMEM97 ligand FEM-1689 alleviates neuropathic pain and inhibits the integrated stress response. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306090120. [PMID: 38117854 PMCID: PMC10756276 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306090120] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The sigma 2 receptor (σ2R) was described pharmacologically more than three decades ago, but its molecular identity remained obscure until recently when it was identified as transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97). We and others have shown that σ2R/TMEM97 ligands alleviate mechanical hypersensitivity in mouse neuropathic pain models with a time course wherein maximal antinociceptive effect is approximately 24 h following dosing. We sought to understand this unique antineuropathic pain effect by addressing two key questions: do these σ2R/TMEM97 compounds act selectively via the receptor, and what is their downstream mechanism on nociceptive neurons? Using male and female conventional knockout mice for Tmem97, we find that a σ2R/TMEM97 binding compound, FEM-1689, requires the presence of the gene to produce antinociception in the spared nerve injury model in mice. Using primary mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, we demonstrate that FEM-1689 inhibits the integrated stress response (ISR) and promotes neurite outgrowth via a σ2R/TMEM97-specific action. We extend the clinical translational value of these findings by showing that FEM-1689 reduces ISR and p-eIF2α levels in human sensory neurons and that it alleviates the pathogenic engagement of ISR by methylglyoxal. We also demonstrate that σ2R/TMEM97 is expressed in human nociceptors and satellite glial cells. These results validate σ2R/TMEM97 as a promising target for further development for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saad Yousuf
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
- NuvoNuro Inc., Austin, TX78712
| | - James J. Sahn
- NuvoNuro Inc., Austin, TX78712
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
| | - Hongfen Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
| | - Eric T. David
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Stephanie Shiers
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Marisol Mancilla Moreno
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Jonathan Iketem
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Danielle M. Royer
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Chelsea D. Garcia
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Jennifer Zhang
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Veronica M. Hong
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Subhaan M. Mian
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Ayesha Ahmad
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Benedict J. Kolber
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Daniel J. Liebl
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136
| | - Stephen F. Martin
- NuvoNuro Inc., Austin, TX78712
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
| | - Theodore J. Price
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
- NuvoNuro Inc., Austin, TX78712
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6
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Yousuf MS, Sahn JJ, Yang H, David ET, Shiers S, Moreno MM, Iketem J, Royer DM, Garcia CD, Zhang J, Hong VM, Mian SM, Ahmad A, Kolber BJ, Liebl DJ, Martin SF, Price TJ. Highly specific σ 2R/TMEM97 ligand alleviates neuropathic pain and inhibits the integrated stress response. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.11.536439. [PMID: 37090527 PMCID: PMC10120691 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.11.536439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The Sigma 2 receptor (σ2R) was described pharmacologically more than three decades ago, but its molecular identity remained obscure until recently when it was identified as transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97). We and others have shown that σ2R/TMEM97 ligands alleviate mechanical hypersensitivity in mouse neuropathic pain models with a time course wherein maximal anti-nociceptive effect is approximately 24 hours following dosing. We sought to understand this unique anti-neuropathic pain effect by addressing two key questions: do these σ2R/TMEM97 compounds act selectively via the receptor, and what is their downstream mechanism on nociceptive neurons? Using male and female conventional knockout (KO) mice for Tmem97, we find that a new σ2R/TMEM97 binding compound, FEM-1689, requires the presence of the gene to produce anti-nociception in the spared nerve injury model in mice. Using primary mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, we demonstrate that FEM-1689 inhibits the integrated stress response (ISR) and promotes neurite outgrowth via a σ2R/TMEM97-specific action. We extend the clinical translational value of these findings by showing that FEM-1689 reduces ISR and p-eIF2α levels in human sensory neurons and that it alleviates the pathogenic engagement of ISR by methylglyoxal. We also demonstrate that σ2R/TMEM97 is expressed in human nociceptors and satellite glial cells. These results validate σ2R/TMEM97 as a promising target for further development for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saad Yousuf
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
- NuvoNuro, Austin, TX 78712
| | - James J. Sahn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
- NuvoNuro, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Hongfen Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Eric T. David
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Stephanie Shiers
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Marisol Mancilla Moreno
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Jonathan Iketem
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Danielle M. Royer
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Chelsea D. Garcia
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Jennifer Zhang
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Veronica M. Hong
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Subhaan M. Mian
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Ayesha Ahmad
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | - Benedict J. Kolber
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
| | | | - Stephen F. Martin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
- NuvoNuro, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Theodore J. Price
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080
- NuvoNuro, Austin, TX 78712
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7
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Ma L, Deng D, Zhang T, Zhao W, Liu C, Huang S, Xu F, Wang Y, Zhao S, Ding Y, Huang Y, Wang K, Zhang Y, Yang X, Cao S, Chen X. STING-IFN-I pathway relieves incision induced acute postoperative pain via inhibiting the neuroinflammation in dorsal root ganglion of rats. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:1551-1565. [PMID: 37433890 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01764-6] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to study the effect of STING-IFN-I pathway on incision induced postoperative pain in rats and its possible mechanisms. METHODS The pain thresholds were evaluated by measuring the mechanical withdrawal threshold and the thermal withdrawal latency. The satellite glial cell and macrophage of DRG were analyzed. The expression of STING, IFN-a, P-P65, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in DRG was evaluated. RESULTS The activation of STING-IFN-I pathway can reduce the mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia, down-regulate the expression of P-P65, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and inhibit the activation of satellite glial cell and macrophage in DRG. CONCLUSIONS The activation of STING-IFN-I pathway can alleviate incision induced acute postoperative pain by inhibiting the activation of satellite glial cell and macrophage, which reducing the corresponding neuroinflammation in DRG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulin Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Daling Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tianhao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chengxi Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shiqian Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yafeng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaixin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xinxin Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Song Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiangdong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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8
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Viatchenko-Karpinski V, Kong L, Weng HR. Deficient AMPK activity contributes to hyperexcitability in peripheral nociceptive sensory neurons and thermal hyperalgesia in lupus mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288356. [PMID: 37440542 PMCID: PMC10343046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288356] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often suffer from chronic pain. Little is known about the peripheral mechanisms underlying the genesis of chronic pain induced by SLE. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how membrane properties in nociceptive neurons in the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) are altered by SLE. We found elevation of resting membrane potentials, smaller capacitances, lower action potential thresholds and rheobases in nociceptive neurons in the DRGs from MRL/lpr mice (an SLE mouse model) with thermal hyperalgesia. DRGs from MRL/lpr mice had increased protein expressions in TNFα, IL-1β, and phosphorylated ERK but suppressed AMPK activity, and no changes in sodium channel 1.7 protein expression. We showed that intraplantar injection of Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) induced thermal hyperalgesia in normal mice while intraplantar injection of AICAR (an AMPK activator) reduced thermal hyperalgesia in MRL/Lpr mice. Upon inhibition of AMPK membrane properties in nociceptive neurons from normal control mice could be rapidly switched to those found in SLE mice with thermal hyperalgesia. Our study indicates that increased excitability in peripheral nociceptive sensory neurons contributes to the genesis of thermal hyperalgesia in mice with SLE, and AMPK regulates membrane properties in nociceptive sensory neurons as well as thermal hyperalgesia in mice with SLE. Our study provides a basis for targeting signaling pathways regulating membrane properties of peripheral nociceptive neurons as a means for conquering chronic pain caused by SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lingwei Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, United States of America
| | - Han-Rong Weng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, United States of America
- Department of Basic Sciences, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States of America
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9
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Inyang KE, Sim J, Clark KB, Matan G, Monahan K, Evans C, Beng P, Ma JV, Heijnen CJ, Dantzer R, Scherrer G, Kavelaars A, Bernard M, Aldhamen Y, Folger JK, Laumet G. Tonic Meningeal Interleukin-10 Upregulates Delta Opioid Receptor to Prevent Relapse to Pain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.08.544200. [PMID: 37333074 PMCID: PMC10274865 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.08.544200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain often alternates between transient remission and relapse of severe pain. While most research on chronic pain has focused on mechanisms maintaining pain, there is a critical unmet need to understand what prevents pain from re-emerging in those who recover from acute pain. We found that interleukin (IL)-10, a pain resolving cytokine, is persistently produced by resident macrophages in the spinal meninges during remission from pain. IL-10 upregulated expression and analgesic activity of δ-opioid receptor (δOR) in the dorsal root ganglion. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of IL-10 signaling or δOR triggered relapse to pain in both sexes. These data challenge the widespread assumption that remission of pain is simply a return to the naïve state before pain was induced. Instead, our findings strongly suggest a novel concept that: remission is a state of lasting pain vulnerability that results from a long-lasting neuroimmune interactions in the nociceptive system.
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10
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Zhang Y, Jeske NA. A-kinase anchoring protein 79/150 coordinates α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor sensitization in sensory neurons. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231222406. [PMID: 38073552 PMCID: PMC10722943 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231222406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in sensory afferent activity contribute to the transition from acute to chronic pain. However, it is unlikely that a single sensory receptor is entirely responsible for persistent pain. It is more probable that extended changes to multiple receptor proteins expressed by afferent neurons support persistent pain. A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 79/150 (AKAP) is an intracellular scaffolding protein expressed in sensory neurons that spatially and temporally coordinates signaling events. Since AKAP scaffolds biochemical modifications of multiple TRP receptors linked to pain phenotypes, we probed for other ionotropic receptors that may be mediated by AKAP and contribute to persistent pain. Here, we identify a role for AKAP modulation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid Receptor (AMPA-R) functionality in sensory neurons. Pharmacological manipulation of distinct AMPA-R subunits significantly reduces persistent mechanical hypersensitivity observed during hyperalgesic priming. Stimulation of both protein kinases C and A (PKC, PKA, respectively) modulate AMPA-R subunit GluR1 and GluR2 phosphorylation and surface expression in an AKAP-dependent manner in primary cultures of DRG neurons. Furthermore, AKAP knock out reduces sensitized AMPA-R responsivity in DRG neurons. Collectively, these data indicate that AKAP scaffolds AMPA-R subunit organization in DRG neurons that may contribute to the transition from acute-to-chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Nathaniel A Jeske
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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11
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Wei J, Wei Y, Huang M, Wang P, Jia S. Is metformin a possible treatment for diabetic neuropathy? J Diabetes 2022; 14:658-669. [PMID: 36117320 PMCID: PMC9574743 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a hypoglycemic drug widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has been proven to have analgesic and neuroprotective effects. Metformin can reverse pain in rodents, such as diabetic neuropathic pain, neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy drugs, inflammatory pain and pain caused by surgical incision. In clinical use, however, metformin is associated with reduced plasma vitamin B12 levels, which can further neuropathy. In rodent diabetes models, metformin plays a neuroprotective and analgesic role by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, clearing methylgloxal, reducing insulin resistance, and neuroinflammation. This paper also summarized the neurological adverse reactions of metformin in diabetic patients. In addition, whether metformin has sexual dimorphism needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juechun Wei
- The Second Medical CollegeBinzhou Medical UniversityYantaiChina
| | - Yanling Wei
- Qingdao Dongheng Zhiyuan Automobile Service Co. LTDQingdaoChina
| | - Meiyan Huang
- The Second Medical CollegeBinzhou Medical UniversityYantaiChina
| | - Peng Wang
- The Second Medical CollegeBinzhou Medical UniversityYantaiChina
| | - Shushan Jia
- Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical UniversityYantaiChina
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12
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Di Iulio GA, Mahon MF, Caggiano L. Exploring Convergent Two‐Step Synthetic Approaches to the Pancratistatin Framework. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202202703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma A. Di Iulio
- Medicinal Chemistry Section Department of Life Sciences University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY UK
| | - Mary F. Mahon
- Department of Chemistry University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY UK
| | - Lorenzo Caggiano
- Medicinal Chemistry Section Department of Life Sciences University of Bath Bath BA2 7AY UK
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13
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Kumar Kalvala A, Bagde A, Arthur P, Kumar Surapaneni S, Ramesh N, Nathani A, Singh M. Role of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabivarin on Paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in rodents. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 107:108693. [PMID: 35303507 PMCID: PMC10791145 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate if phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and their combination, could protect mice from Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). Six groups of C57BL/6J mice (n = 6) were used in this study. The mice were given paclitaxel (PTX) (8 mg/kg/day, i.p.) on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 to induce neuropathy. Mice were evaluated for behavioral parameters, and dorsal root ganglions (DRG) were collected from the animals and subjected to RNA sequencing and westernblot analysis at the end of the study. On cultured DRGs derived from adult male rats, immunocytochemistry and mitochondrial functional assays were also performed. When compared to individual treatments, the combination of CBD and THCV improved thermal and mechanical neurobehavioral symptoms in mice by twofold. Targets for CBD and THCV therapy were identified by KEGG (RNA sequencing). PTX reduced the expression of p-AMPK, SIRT1, NRF2, HO1, SOD2, and catalase while increasing the expression of PI3K, p-AKT, p-P38 MAP kinase, BAX, TGF-β, NLRP3 inflammasome, and caspase 3 in DRG homogenates of mice. Combination therapy outperformed monotherapy in reversing these protein expressions. The addition of CBD and THCV to DRG primary cultures reduced mitochondrial superoxides while increasing mitochondrial membrane potentials. WAY100135 and rimonabant altered the neuroprotective effects of CBD and THCV respectively by blocking 5-HT1A and CB1 receptors in mice and DRG primary cultures. The entourage effect of CBD and THCV against PIPN appears to protect neurons in mice via 5HT1A and CB1 receptors respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Kalvala
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Arvind Bagde
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Peggy Arthur
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar Surapaneni
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Nimma Ramesh
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Aakash Nathani
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Mandip Singh
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA.
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14
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The analgesic effects of ulinastatin either as a single agent or in combination with sufentanil: A novel therapeutic potential for postoperative pain. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 907:174267. [PMID: 34146590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ulinastatin is a broad-spectrum protease inhibitor widely used for the treatment of various inflammation-related diseases owing to its recognized excellent anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties. However, whether ulinastatin can relieve postoperative pain remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the analgesic effects of ulinastatin administered either as a single agent or in combination with sufentanil in a validated preclinical rat model of postoperative pain induced by plantar incision. We found that incisional surgery on the hind paw of these rats induced sustained ipsilateral mechanical pain hypersensitivity that lasted for at least 10 days. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of ulinastatin prevented the development and reversed the maintenance of incision-induced mechanical pain hypersensitivity in a dose-dependent manner. However, ulinastatin had no effect on the baseline nociceptive threshold. Moreover, repeated i.p. injections of ulinastatin persistently attenuated incision-induced mechanical pain hypersensitivity and promoted recovery from the surgery. The rats did not develop any analgesic tolerance over the course of repeated injections of ulinastatin. A single i.p. injection of ulinastatin was also sufficient to inhibit the initiation and maintenance of incision-induced hyperalgesic priming when the rats were subsequently challenged with an ipsilateral intraplantar prostaglandin E2 injection. Furthermore, the combined administration of ulinastatin and sufentanil significantly enhanced the analgesic effect of sufentanil on postoperative pain, which involved mechanisms other than a direct influence on opioid receptors. These findings demonstrated that ulinastatin had a significant analgesic effect on postoperative pain and might be a novel pharmacotherapeutic agent for managing postoperative pain either alone or as an adjuvant.
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15
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Inyang KE, George SR, Laumet G. The µ-δ opioid heteromer masks latent pain sensitization in neuropathic and inflammatory pain in male and female mice. Brain Res 2021; 1756:147298. [PMID: 33516809 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The episodic nature of chronic pain can be studied in the rodent model of latent pain sensitization. After remission, central sensitization is opposed by activation of opioid receptors. At the behavioral level, latent pain sensitization is unmasked when pain hypersensitivity is reinstated by opioid receptor (OR) antagonism. Previous studies have focused on inflammatory pain and male rodents. Whether latent pain sensitization occurs in models of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in female and male mice is unknown. The first aim of this study was to investigate whether μ- and δ-OR suppress latent pain sensitization in our model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in both sexes. Mounting evidence suggests that μ-and δ-ORs form a heteromer and that the heteromer modulates pain sensitivity. Potential implications of the μ-δ OR heteromer in latent pain sensitization have not been fully explored due to a lack of tools to effectively modulate the heteromer. To specifically target the μ-δ OR heteromer, we used a specific interfering peptide blocking the heteromerization. The second aim of this study was to investigate whether disruption of the μ-δOR heteromer, after remission, reinstates pain hypersensitivity. After remission from cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain, antagonism of µ-OR and δOR reinstates pain hypersensitivity in both sexes. After remission from cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain and postoperative pain, disruption of the μ-δOR heteromer reinstates pain hypersensitivity in both sexes. Taken together our findings suggest that the μ-δOR heteromer plays a crucial role in remission in various pain models and may represent a novel therapeutic target to prevent the relapse to pain and the transition to chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan R George
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffroy Laumet
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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16
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Yousuf MS, Shiers SI, Sahn JJ, Price TJ. Pharmacological Manipulation of Translation as a Therapeutic Target for Chronic Pain. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:59-88. [PMID: 33203717 PMCID: PMC7736833 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction in regulation of mRNA translation is an increasingly recognized characteristic of many diseases and disorders, including cancer, diabetes, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, and chronic pain. Approximately 50 million adults in the United States experience chronic pain. This economic burden is greater than annual costs associated with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. Treatment options for chronic pain are inadequately efficacious and riddled with adverse side effects. There is thus an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to treating chronic pain. Sensitization of neurons along the nociceptive pathway causes chronic pain states driving symptoms that include spontaneous pain and mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. More than a decade of preclinical research demonstrates that translational mechanisms regulate the changes in gene expression that are required for ongoing sensitization of nociceptive sensory neurons. This review will describe how key translation regulation signaling pathways, including the integrated stress response, mammalian target of rapamycin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinases, impact the translation of different subsets of mRNAs. We then place these mechanisms of translation regulation in the context of chronic pain states, evaluate currently available therapies, and examine the potential for developing novel drugs. Considering the large body of evidence now published in this area, we propose that pharmacologically manipulating specific aspects of the translational machinery may reverse key neuronal phenotypic changes causing different chronic pain conditions. Therapeutics targeting these pathways could eventually be first-line drugs used to treat chronic pain disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Translational mechanisms regulating protein synthesis underlie phenotypic changes in the sensory nervous system that drive chronic pain states. This review highlights regulatory mechanisms that control translation initiation and how to exploit them in treating persistent pain conditions. We explore the role of mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinase inhibitors and AMPK activators in alleviating pain hypersensitivity. Modulation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α phosphorylation is also discussed as a potential therapy. Targeting specific translation regulation mechanisms may reverse changes in neuronal hyperexcitability associated with painful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saad Yousuf
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
| | - Stephanie I Shiers
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
| | - James J Sahn
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
| | - Theodore J Price
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
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17
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Comparing Gene Expression in the Parabrachial and Amygdala of Diestrus and Proestrus Female Rats after Orofacial Varicella Zoster Injection. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165749. [PMID: 32796585 PMCID: PMC7461146 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The orofacial pain pathway projects to the parabrachial and amygdala, and sex steroids have been shown to affect neuronal activity in these regions. GABA positive cells in the amygdala are influenced by sex steroid metabolites to affect pain, and sex steroids have been shown to alter the expression of genes in the parabrachial, changing neuronal excitability. Mechanisms by which sex steroids affect amygdala and parabrachial signaling are unclear. The expression of genes in the parabrachial and amygdala in diestrus (low estradiol) and proestrus (high estradiol) female rats were evaluated in this study. First, varicella zoster virus was injected into the whisker pad of female rats to induce a pain response. Second, gene expression was quantitated using RNA-seq one week after injection. Genes that had the greatest change in expression and known to function in pain signaling were selected for the quantitation of protein content. Protein expression of four genes in the parabrachial and seven genes in the amygdala were quantitated by ELISA. In the parabrachial, neurexin 3 (Nrnx3) was elevated at proestrus. Nrnx3 has a role in AMPA receptor and GABA signaling. Neuronatin (Nnat) and protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1E (Ppm1e) were elevated in the parabrachial of diestrus animals both genes having a role in pain signaling. Epoxide hydroxylase (Ephx2) was elevated in the parabrachial at proestrus and the vitamin D receptor (Vdr) was elevated in the amygdala. Ephx2 antagonists and vitamin D have been used to treat neuropathic pain. In conclusion, sex steroids regulate genes in the parabrachial and amygdala that might result in the greater pain response observed during diestrus.
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18
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Inyang KE, McDougal TA, Ramirez ED, Williams M, Laumet G, Kavelaars A, Heijnen CJ, Burton M, Dussor G, Price TJ. Alleviation of paclitaxel-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and hyperalgesic priming with AMPK activators in male and female mice. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN 2019; 6:100037. [PMID: 31650090 PMCID: PMC6804652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2019.100037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy-sensing kinase that has emerged as a novel therapeutic target for pain due to its ability to inhibit mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, two signaling pathways that are linked to pain promotion after injury as well as the development of hyperalgesic priming. MAPK and mTOR signaling are also implicated in chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). We conducted a series of experiments to gain further insight into how AMPK activators might best be used to treat pain in both sexes in the setting of CIPN from paclitaxel. We also assessed whether hyperalgesic priming emerges from paclitaxel treatment and if this can be prevented by AMPK targeting. AMPK can be pharmacologically activated indirectly through regulation of upstream kinases like liver kinase B1 (LKB1) or directly using positive allosteric modulators. We used the indirect AMPK activators metformin and narciclasine, both of which have been shown to reduce pain in preclinical models but with much different potencies and different efficacies depending on the sex of the animal. We used the direct AMPK activator MK8722 because it is the most potent and specific such activator described to date. Here, the AMPK activators were used in 2 different treatment paradigms. First the drugs were given concurrently with paclitaxel to test whether they prevent mechanical hypersensitivity. Second the AMPK activators were given after the completion of paclitaxel treatment to test whether they reverse established mechanical hypersensitivity. Consistent with our previously published findings with metformin, narciclasine (1 mg/kg) produced an anti-hyperalgesic effect, preventing paclitaxel-induced neuropathy in outbred mice of both sexes. In contrast to metformin, narciclasine also reversed mechanical hypersensitivity in established CIPN. Both metformin (200 mg/kg) and narciclasine prevented the development of hyperalgesic priming induced by paclitaxel treatment. MK8722 (30 mg/kg) had no effect on mechanical hypersensitivity caused by paclitaxel in either the prevention or reversal treatment paradigms. However, MK8722 did attenuate hyperalgesic priming in male and female mice. We conclude that paclitaxel induces robust hyperalgesic priming that is prevented by AMPK targeting and that narciclasine is a particularly attractive candidate for further development as a CIPN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kufreobong E Inyang
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Timothy A McDougal
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Eric D Ramirez
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Marisa Williams
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Geoffroy Laumet
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Symptom Research, United States
| | | | - Cobi J Heijnen
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Symptom Research, United States
| | - Michael Burton
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Gregory Dussor
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Theodore J Price
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
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