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Mostallino R, Santoni M, Sagheddu C, Serra V, Orrù V, Pistis M, Castelli MP. The PPARα agonist fenofibrate reduces the cytokine imbalance in a maternal immune activation model of schizophrenia. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 961:176172. [PMID: 37939988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176172] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Maternal infections during pregnancy may increase the risk of psychiatric disorders in offspring. We recently demonstrated that activation of peroxisome proliferator-activate receptor-α (PPARα), with the clinically available agonist fenofibrate (FEN), attenuates the neurodevelopmental disturbances induced by maternal immune activation (MIA) in rat offspring. We hypothesized that fenofibrate might reduce MIA-induced cytokine imbalance using a MIA model based on the viral mimetic polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid [poly (I:C)]. By using the Bio-Plex Multiplex-Immunoassay-System, we measured cytokine/chemokine/growth factor levels in maternal serum and in the fetal brain of rats treated with fenofibrate, at 6 and 24 h after poly (I:C). We found that MIA induced time-dependent changes in the levels of several cytokines/chemokines/colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). Specifically, the maternal serum of the poly (I:C)/control (CTRL) group showed increased levels of (i) proinflammatory chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha (MIP-1α), (ii) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), the macrophage (M-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Conversely, in the fetal brain of the poly (I:C)/CTRL group, interleukin 12p70 and MIP-1α levels were lower than in vehicle (veh)/CTRL group. Notably, MIP-1α, TNF-α, keratinocyte derived chemokine (GRO/KC), GM-CSF, and M-CSF levels were lower in the poly (I:C)/FEN than in poly (I:C)/CTRL rats, suggesting the protective role of the PPARα agonist. PPARα might represent a therapeutic target to attenuate MIA-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Michele Santoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Valentina Serra
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Valeria Orrù
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Section of Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - M Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy.
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Hill MN, Haney M, Hillard CJ, Karhson DS, Vecchiarelli HA. The endocannabinoid system as a putative target for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7006-7024. [PMID: 37671673 PMCID: PMC10719691 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723002465] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is well established to impact affective states, emotion and perceptual processing, primarily through its interactions with the endocannabinoid system. While cannabis use is quite prevalent in many individuals afflicted with psychiatric illnesses, there is considerable controversy as to whether cannabis may worsen these conditions or provide some form of therapeutic benefit. The development of pharmacological agents which interact with components of the endocannabinoid system in more localized and discrete ways then via phytocannabinoids found in cannabis, has allowed the investigation if direct targeting of the endocannabinoid system itself may represent a novel approach to treat psychiatric illness without the potential untoward side effects associated with cannabis. Herein we review the current body of literature regarding the various pharmacological tools that have been developed to target the endocannabinoid system, their impact in preclinical models of psychiatric illness and the recent data emerging of their utilization in clinical trials for psychiatric illnesses, with a specific focus on substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and autism. We highlight several candidate drugs which target endocannabinoid function, particularly inhibitors of endocannabinoid metabolism or modulators of cannabinoid receptor signaling, which have emerged as potential candidates for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, particularly substance use disorder, anxiety and trauma-related disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Although there needs to be ongoing clinical work to establish the potential utility of endocannabinoid-based drugs for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses, the current data available is quite promising and shows indications of several potential candidate diseases which may benefit from this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N. Hill
- Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Margaret Haney
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Cecilia J. Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Debra S. Karhson
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
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González-Portilla M, Mellado S, Montagud-Romero S, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Pascual M, Rodríguez-Arias M. Oleoylethanolamide attenuates cocaine-primed reinstatement and alters dopaminergic gene expression in the striatum. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2023; 19:8. [PMID: 37226219 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-023-00210-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The lipid oleoylethanolamide (OEA) has been shown to affect reward-related behavior. However, there is limited experimental evidence about the specific neurotransmission systems OEA may be affecting to exert this modulatory effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of OEA on the rewarding properties of cocaine and relapse-related gene expression in the striatum and hippocampus. For this purpose, we evaluated male OF1 mice on a cocaine-induced CPP procedure (10 mg/kg) and after the corresponding extinction sessions, we tested drug-induced reinstatement. The effects of OEA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) were evaluated at three different timepoints: (1) Before each cocaine conditioning session (OEA-C), (2) Before extinction sessions (OEA-EXT) and (3) Before the reinstatement test (OEA-REINST). Furthermore, gene expression changes in dopamine receptor D1 gene, dopamine receptor D2 gene, opioid receptor µ, cannabinoid receptor 1, in the striatum and hippocampus were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The results obtained in the study showed that OEA administration did not affect cocaine CPP acquisition. However, mice receiving different OEA treatment schedules (OEA-C, OEA-EXT and OEA-REINST) failed to display drug-induced reinstatement. Interestingly, the administration of OEA blocked the increase of dopamine receptor gene D1 in the striatum and hippocampus caused by cocaine exposure. In addition, OEA-treated mice exhibited reduced striatal dopamine receptor gene D2 and cannabinoid receptor 1. Together, these findings suggest that OEA may be a promising pharmacological agent in the treatment of cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena González-Portilla
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Susana Mellado
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Montagud-Romero
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Mental Health Clinical Management Unit, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga- IBIMA, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
- Atención primaria, cronicidad y promoción de la salud, Red de investigación en atención primaria de adicciones (RIAPAD), Rd210009/0005/0003, Valencia, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Pascual
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
- Atención primaria, cronicidad y promoción de la salud, Red de investigación en atención primaria de adicciones (RIAPAD), Rd210009/0005/0003, Valencia, Madrid, Spain.
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Barrantes FJ. Structure and function meet at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-lipid interface. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106729. [PMID: 36931540 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is a transmembrane protein that mediates fast intercellular communication in response to the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is the best characterized and archetypal molecule in the superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs). As a typical transmembrane macromolecule, it interacts extensively with its vicinal lipid microenvironment. Experimental evidence provides a wealth of information on receptor-lipid crosstalk: the nAChR exerts influence on its immediate membrane environment and conversely, the lipid moiety modulates ligand binding, affinity state transitions and gating of ion translocation functions of the receptor protein. Recent cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies have unveiled the occurrence of sites for phospholipids and cholesterol on the lipid-exposed regions of neuronal and electroplax nAChRs, confirming early spectroscopic and affinity labeling studies demonstrating the close contact of lipid molecules with the receptor transmembrane segments. This new data provides structural support to the postulated "lipid sensor" ability displayed by the outer ring of M4 transmembrane domains and their modulatory role on nAChR function, as we postulated a decade ago. Borrowing from the best characterized nAChR, the electroplax (muscle-type) receptor, and exploiting new structural information on the neuronal nAChR, it is now possible to achieve an improved depiction of these sites. In combination with site-directed mutagenesis, single-channel electrophysiology, and molecular dynamics studies, the new structural information delivers a more comprehensive portrayal of these lipid-sensitive loci, providing mechanistic explanations for their ability to modulate nAChR properties and raising the possibility of targetting them in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) - Argentine Scientific & Technol. Research Council (CONICET), Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, C1107AAZ Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Palese F, Pontis S, Realini N, Torrens A, Ahmed F, Assogna F, Pellicano C, Bossù P, Spalletta G, Green K, Piomelli D. Targeting NAAA counters dopamine neuron loss and symptom progression in mouse models of parkinsonism. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106338. [PMID: 35781057 PMCID: PMC9733952 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The lysosomal cysteine hydrolase N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) deactivates palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a lipid-derived PPAR-α agonist that is critically involved in the control of pain and inflammation. In this study, we asked whether NAAA-regulated PEA signaling might contribute to dopamine neuron degeneration and parkinsonism induced by the mitochondrial neurotoxins, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In vitro experiments showed that 6-OHDA and MPTP enhanced NAAA expression and lowered PEA content in human SH-SY5Y cells. A similar effect was observed in mouse midbrain dopamine neurons following intra-striatal 6-OHDA injection. Importantly, deletion of the Naaa gene or pharmacological inhibition of NAAA activity substantially attenuated both dopamine neuron death and parkinsonian symptoms in mice treated with 6-OHDA or MPTP. Moreover, NAAA expression was elevated in postmortem brain cortex and premortem blood-derived exosomes from persons with Parkinson's disease compared to age-matched controls. The results identify NAAA-regulated PEA signaling as a molecular control point for dopaminergic neuron survival and a potential target for neuroprotective intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Palese
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology University of California Irvine, 92697-1275 CA, USA
| | - Silvia Pontis
- Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Natalia Realini
- Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alexa Torrens
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology University of California Irvine, 92697-1275 CA, USA
| | - Faizy Ahmed
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology University of California Irvine, 92697-1275 CA, USA
| | - Francesca Assogna
- Laboratorio di Neuropsichiatria, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Clelia Pellicano
- Laboratorio di Neuropsichiatria, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bossù
- Laboratorio di Neuropsichiatria, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Spalletta
- Laboratorio di Neuropsichiatria, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Kim Green
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, 92697-1275 CA, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology University of California Irvine, 92697-1275 CA, USA,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, 92697-1275 CA, USA,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, 92697-1275 CA, USA
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Jayanthi S, Peesapati R, McCoy MT, Ladenheim B, Cadet JL. Footshock-Induced Abstinence from Compulsive Methamphetamine Self-administration in Rat Model Is Accompanied by Increased Hippocampal Expression of Cannabinoid Receptors (CB1 and CB2). Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1238-1248. [PMID: 34978045 PMCID: PMC8857101 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02656-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) use disorder (MUD) is characterized by compulsive and repeated drug taking despite negative life consequences. Large intake of METH in humans and animals is accompanied by dysfunctions in learning and memory processes. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is known to modulate synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions. In addition, the ECS has been implicated in some of the manifestations of substance use disorders (SUDs). We therefore sought to identify potential changes in the expression of various enzymes and of the receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are members of that system. Herein, we used a model of METH self-administration (SA) that includes a punishment phase (footshocks) that helps to separate rats into a compulsive METH phenotype (compulsive) that continues to take METH and a non-compulsive METH (abstinent) group that suppressed or stopped taking METH. Animals were euthanized 2 h after the last METH SA session and their hippocampi were used to measure mRNA levels of cannabinoid receptors (CB/Cnr), as well as those of synthesizing (DAGL-A, DAGL-B, NAPEPLD) and metabolizing (MGLL, FAAH, PTGS2) enzymes of the endocannabinoid cascade. Non-compulsive rats exhibited significant increased hippocampal expression of CB1/Cnr1 and CB2/Cnr2 mRNAs. mRNA levels of the synthesizing enzyme, DAGL-A, and of the metabolic enzymes, MGLL and FAAH, were also increased. Non-compulsive rats also exhibited a significant decrease in hippocampal Ptgs2 mRNA levels. Taken together, these observations implicate the hippocampal endocannabinoid system in the suppression of METH intake in the presence of adverse consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramaniam Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, DHHS/NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Ritvik Peesapati
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, DHHS/NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Michael T McCoy
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, DHHS/NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Bruce Ladenheim
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, DHHS/NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, DHHS/NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Repurposing Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Agonists in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14101025. [PMID: 34681249 PMCID: PMC8538250 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Common pathophysiological mechanisms have emerged for different neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. In particular, mechanisms of oxidative stress, immuno-inflammation, and altered metabolic pathways converge and cause neuronal and non-neuronal maladaptative phenomena, which underlie multifaceted brain disorders. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors modulating, among others, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective genes in diverse tissues. Both endogenous and synthetic PPAR agonists are approved treatments for metabolic and systemic disorders, such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and dyslipidemia(s), showing high tolerability and safety profiles. Considering that some PPAR-acting drugs permeate through the blood-brain barrier, the possibility to extend their scope from the periphery to central nervous system has gained interest in recent years. Here, we review preclinical and clinical evidence that PPARs possibly exert a neuroprotective role, thereby providing a rationale for repurposing PPAR-targeting drugs to counteract several diseases affecting the central nervous system.
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