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Vivarelli F, Morosini C, Rullo L, Losapio LM, Lacorte A, Sangiorgi S, Ghini S, Fagiolino I, Franchi P, Lucarini M, Candeletti S, Canistro D, Romualdi P, Paolini M. Effects of unburned tobacco smoke on inflammatory and oxidative mediators in the rat prefrontal cortex. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1328917. [PMID: 38333013 PMCID: PMC10851081 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1328917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the Food and Drug Administration has authorized the marketing of "heat-not-burn" (HnB) electronic cigarettes as a modified risk tobacco product (MRTP), toxicological effects of HnB smoke exposure on the brain are still unexplored. Here, paramagnetic resonance of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of HnB-exposed rats shows a dramatic increase in reactive radical species (RRS) yield coupled with an inflammatory response mediated by NF-κB-target genes including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and the downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha and gamma expression. The PFC shows higher levels of 8-hydroxyguanosine, a marker of DNA oxidative damage, along with the activation of antioxidant machinery and DNA repair systems, including xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC) protein complex and 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1. HnB also induces the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP1A1, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, and CYP2E, particularly involved in the biotransformation of nicotine and several carcinogenic agents such as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons here recorded in the HnB stick smoke. Taken together, these effects, from disruption of redox homeostasis, inflammation, PPAR manipulation along with enhanced bioactivation of neurotoxicants, and upregulation of cMYC protooncogene to impairment of primary cellular defense mechanisms, suggest a possible increased risk of brain cancer. Although the HnB device reduces the emission of tobacco toxicants, our findings indicate that its consumption may carry a risk of potential adverse health effects, especially in non-smokers so far. Further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects of these devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Vivarelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Morosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Loredana Maria Losapio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Lacorte
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Sangiorgi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Severino Ghini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Paola Franchi
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarini
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Donatella Canistro
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Moreno Paolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Benvenuti F, De Carlo S, Rullo L, Caffino L, Losapio L, Morosini C, Ubaldi M, Soverchia L, Cannella N, Domi E, Candeletti S, Mottarlini F, Fattore L, Romualdi P, Fumagalli F, Trezza V, Roberto M, Ciccocioppo R. Early social isolation differentially affects the glucocorticoid receptor system and alcohol-seeking behavior in male and female Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 28:100598. [PMID: 38115888 PMCID: PMC10727952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse early life experiences during postnatal development can evoke long-lasting neurobiological changes in stress systems, thereby affecting subsequent behaviors including propensity to develop alcohol use disorder. Here, we exposed genetically selected male and female Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) and Wistar rats to mild, repeated social deprivation from postnatal day 14 (PND14) to PND21 and investigated the effect of the early social isolation (ESI) on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) system and on the propensity to drink and seek alcohol in adulthood. We found that ESI resulted in higher levels of GR gene and protein expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in male but not female msP rats. In female Wistars, ESI resulted in significant downregulation of Nr3c1 mRNA levels and lower GR protein levels. In male and female msP rats, plasma corticosterone levels on PND35 were similar and unaffected by ESI. Wistar females exhibited higher levels of corticosterone compared with males, independently from ESI. In alcohol self-administration experiments we found that the pharmacological stressor yohimbine (0.0, 0.312, 0.625, and 1.25 mg/kg) increased alcohol self-administration in both rat lines, regardless of ESI. After extinction, 0.625 mg/kg yohimbine significantly reinstated alcohol seeking in female rats only. ESI enhanced reinstatement in female msP rats. Overall, the present results indicate that repeated social deprivation during the third week of postnatal life affects GR expression in a strain- and sex-dependent manner: such effect may contribute, at least partially, to the heightened sensitivity of female msP rats to the effects of yohimbine-induced alcohol seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Benvenuti
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - S. De Carlo
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - L. Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - L. Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L.M. Losapio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C. Morosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M. Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - L. Soverchia
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - N. Cannella
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - E. Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - S. Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F. Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L. Fattore
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
| | - P. Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F. Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - V. Trezza
- Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - R. Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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Lorente JD, Cuitavi J, Rullo L, Candeletti S, Romualdi P, Hipólito L. Sex-dependent effect of inflammatory pain on negative affective states is prevented by kappa opioid receptors blockade in the nucleus accumbens shell. Neuropharmacology 2024; 242:109764. [PMID: 37879455 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Pain comorbidities include several psychological disorders, such as anxiety and anhedonia. However, the way pain affects male and female individuals and by which mechanism is not well understood. Previous research shows that pain induces alterations in the dynorphinergic pathway within the mesocorticolimbic system (MCLS), together with a relationship between corticotropin-releasing system and dynorphin release in the MCLS. Here, we analyse the sex and time course-dependent effects of pain on negative affect. Additionally, we study the implication of dynorphinergic and corticotropin releasing factor in these pain related behaviours. We used behavioural pharmacology and biochemical tools to characterise negative affective states induced by inflammatory pain in male and female rats, and the alterations in the dynorphinergic and the corticotropin systems within the MCLS. Female rats showed persistent anxiety-like and reversible anhedonia-like behaviours derived from inflammatory pain. Additionally, we found alterations in dynorphin and corticotropin releasing factor in NAc and amygdala, which suggests sex-dependent dynamic adaptations. Finally blockade on the kappa opioid receptor in the NAc confirmed its role in pain-induced anxiety-like behaviour in female rats. Our results show sex and time-dependent anxiety- and anhedonia-like behaviours induced by the presence of pain in female rats. Furthermore, we replicated previous data, pointing to the KOR/DYN recruitment in the NAc as a key neurological substrate mediating pain-induced behavioural alterations. This research studies the mechanisms underlying these behaviours, to better understand the emotional dimension of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Lorente
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Cuitavi
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - L Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Italy
| | - S Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Italy
| | - P Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Italy
| | - L Hipólito
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; University Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Rullo L, Losapio LM, Morosini C, Mottarlini F, Schiavi S, Buzzelli V, Ascone F, Ciccocioppo R, Fattore L, Caffino L, Fumagalli F, Romualdi P, Trezza V, Candeletti S. Outcomes of early social experiences on glucocorticoid and endocannabinoid systems in the prefrontal cortex of male and female adolescent rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1270195. [PMID: 38174157 PMCID: PMC10762649 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1270195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Social and emotional experiences differently shape individual's neurodevelopment inducing substantial changes in neurobiological substrates and behavior, particularly when they occur early in life. In this scenario, the present study was aimed at (i) investigating the impact of early social environments on emotional reactivity of adolescent male and female rats and (ii) uncovering the underlying molecular features, focusing on the cortical endocannabinoid (eCB) and glucocorticoid systems. To this aim, we applied a protocol of environmental manipulation based on early postnatal socially enriched or impoverished conditions. Social enrichment was realized through communal nesting (CN). Conversely, an early social isolation (ESI) protocol was applied (post-natal days 14-21) to mimic an adverse early social environment. The two forms of social manipulation resulted in specific behavioral and molecular outcomes in both male and female rat offspring. Despite the combination of CN and ESI did not affect emotional reactivity in both sexes, the molecular results reveal that the preventive exposure to CN differently altered mRNA and protein expression of the main components of the glucocorticoid and eCB systems in male and female rats. In particular, adolescent females exposed to the combination of CN and ESI showed increased corticosterone levels, unaltered genomic glucocorticoid receptor, reduced cannabinoid receptor type-1 and fatty acid amide hydrolase protein levels, suggesting that the CN condition evokes different reorganization of these systems in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Loredana Maria Losapio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Morosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti,” Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Buzzelli
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ascone
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti,” Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti,” Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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5
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Rullo L, Caputi FF, Losapio LM, Morosini C, Posa L, Canistro D, Vivarelli F, Romualdi P, Candeletti S. Effects of Different Opioid Drugs on Oxidative Status and Proteasome Activity in SH-SY5Y Cells. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27238321. [PMID: 36500414 PMCID: PMC9738452 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are the most effective drugs used for the management of moderate to severe pain; however, their chronic use is often associated with numerous adverse effects. Some results indicate the involvement of oxidative stress as well as of proteasome function in the development of some opioid-related side effects including analgesic tolerance, opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) and dependence. Based on the evidence, this study investigated the impact of morphine, buprenorphine or tapentadol on intracellular reactive oxygen species levels (ROS), superoxide dismutase activity/gene expression, as well as β2 and β5 subunit proteasome activity/biosynthesis in SH-SY5Y cells. Results showed that tested opioids differently altered ROS production and SOD activity/biosynthesis. Indeed, the increase in ROS production and the reduction in SOD function elicited by morphine were not shared by the other opioids. Moreover, tested drugs produced distinct changes in β2(trypsin-like) and β5(chymotrypsin-like) proteasome activity and biosynthesis. In fact, while prolonged morphine exposure significantly increased the proteolytic activity of both subunits and β5 mRNA levels, buprenorphine and tapentadol either reduced or did not alter these parameters. These results, showing different actions of the selected opioid drugs on the investigated parameters, suggest that a low µ receptor intrinsic efficacy could be related to a smaller oxidative stress and proteasome activation and could be useful to shed more light on the role of the investigated cellular processes in the occurrence of these opioid drug side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Loredana Maria Losapio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Morosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Posa
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University, 700 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Donatella Canistro
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Vivarelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0512091866
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Posa L, De Gregorio D, Lopez-Canul M, He Q, Darcq E, Rullo L, Pearl-Dowler L, Luongo L, Candeletti S, Romualdi P, Kieffer BL, Gobbi G. Supraspinal melatonin MT 2 receptor agonism alleviates pain via a neural circuit that recruits mu opioid receptors. J Pineal Res 2022; 73:e12825. [PMID: 35996205 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, through its G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) (MTNR1B gene) MT2 , is implicated in analgesia, but the relationship between MT2 receptors and the opioid system remains elusive. In a model of rodent neuropathic pain (spared nerve injured [SNI]), the selective melatonin MT2 agonist UCM924 reversed the allodynia (a pain response to a non-noxious stimulus), and this effect was nullified by the pharmacological blockade or genetic inactivation of the mu opioid receptor (MOR), but not the delta opioid receptor (DOR). Indeed, SNI MOR, but not DOR knockout mice, did not respond to the antiallodynic effects of the UCM924. Similarly, the nonselective opioid antagonist naloxone and the selective MOR antagonist D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTOP) blocked the effects of UCM924 in SNI rats, but not the DOR antagonist naltrindole (NTI). Electrophysiological recordings in the rostral-ventromedial medulla (RVM) revealed that the typical reduction of the firing activity of pronociceptive ON-cells, and the enhancement of the firing of the antinociceptive OFF-cells, induced by the microinjection of the MT2 agonist UCM924 into the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) were blocked by MOR, but not DOR, antagonism. Immunohistochemistry studies showed that MT2 receptors are expressed in both excitatory (CaMKIIα+ ) and inhibitory (GAD65+ ) neuronal cell bodies in the vlPAG (~2.16% total), but not RVM. Only 0.20% of vlPAG neurons coexpressed MOR and MT2 receptors. Finally, UCM924 treatment induced an increase in the enkephalin precursor gene (PENK) in the PAG of SNI mice. Collectively, the melatonin MT2 receptor agonism requires MORs to exert its antiallodynic effects, mostly through an interneuronal circuit involving MOR and MT2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Italy, Milano
| | - Martha Lopez-Canul
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Qianzi He
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Douglas Hospital Research Center, McGill University, Quebec, Montreal, Canada
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leora Pearl-Dowler
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Brigitte Lina Kieffer
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Douglas Hospital Research Center, McGill University, Quebec, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University, Health Center (MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Vivarelli F, Granata S, Rullo L, Mussoni M, Candeletti S, Romualdi P, Fimognari C, Cruz-Chamorro I, Carrillo-Vico A, Paolini M, Canistro D. On the toxicity of e-cigarettes consumption: Focus on pathological cellular mechanisms. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106315. [PMID: 35724819 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking remains without a doubt one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. In combination with conventional protocols for smoking cessation, e-cigarettes have been proposed as a useful tool to quit smoking. Advertised as almost free of toxic effects, e-cigarettes have rapidly increased their popularity, becoming a sought-after device, especially among young people. Recently some health concerns about e-cigarette consumption are being raised. It is well known that they can release several toxic compounds, some of which are carcinogenic to humans, and emerging results are now outlining the risks related to the onset of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. The present review shows the emerging evidence about the role of technical components of the devices, the e-liquid composition as well as customization by consumers. The primary topics we discuss are the main toxicological aspects associated with e-cigarette consumption, focusing on the molecular pathways involved. Here it will be shown how exposure to e-cigarette aerosol induces stress/mitochondrial toxicity, DNA breaks/fragmentation following the same pathological pathways triggered by tobacco smoke, including the deregulation of molecular signalling axis associated with cancer progression and cell migration. Risk to fertility and pregnancy, as well as cardiovascular risk associated with e-cigarette use, have also been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Vivarelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Silvia Granata
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery - University of Milano - Bicocca
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Mussoni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Ivan Cruz-Chamorro
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS (Universidad de Sevilla, HUVR, Junta de Andalucía, CSIC), 41013 Seville, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular e Inmunología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Carrillo-Vico
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS (Universidad de Sevilla, HUVR, Junta de Andalucía, CSIC), 41013 Seville, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular e Inmunología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Moreno Paolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Donatella Canistro
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Coluzzi F, Rullo L, Scerpa MS, Losapio LM, Rocco M, Billeci D, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Current and Future Therapeutic Options in Pain Management: Multi-mechanistic Opioids Involving Both MOR and NOP Receptor Activation. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:617-632. [PMID: 35616826 PMCID: PMC9166888 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00924-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are widely used in chronic pain management, despite major concerns about their risk of adverse events, particularly abuse, misuse, and respiratory depression from overdose. Multi-mechanistic opioids, such as tapentadol and buprenorphine, have been widely studied as a valid alternative to traditional opioids for their safer profile. Special interest was focused on the role of the nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor in terms of analgesia and improved tolerability. Nociceptin opioid peptide receptor agonists were shown to reinforce the antinociceptive effect of mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists and modulate some of their adverse effects. Therefore, multi-mechanistic opioids involving both MOR and NOP receptor activation became a major field of pharmaceutical and clinical investigations. Buprenorphine was re-discovered in a new perspective, as an atypical analgesic and as a substitution therapy for opioid use disorders; and buprenorphine derivatives have been tested in animal models of nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Similarly, cebranopadol, a full MOR/NOP receptor agonist, has been clinically evaluated for its potent analgesic efficacy and better tolerability profile, compared with traditional opioids. This review overviews pharmacological mechanisms of the NOP receptor system, including its role in pain management and in the development of opioid tolerance. Clinical data on buprenorphine suggest its role as a safer alternative to traditional opioids, particularly in patients with non-cancer pain; while data on cebranopadol still require phase III study results to approve its introduction on the market. Other bifunctional MOR/NOP receptor ligands, such as BU08028, BU10038, and AT-121, are currently under pharmacological investigations and could represent promising analgesic agents for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Coluzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
- Unit Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Maria Sole Scerpa
- Unit Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Maria Losapio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Monica Rocco
- Department of Surgical and Medical Science and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
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9
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Bastianini S, Lo Martire V, Alvente S, Berteotti C, Matteoli G, Rullo L, Stamatakos S, Silvani A, Candeletti S, Romualdi P, Cohen G, Zoccoli G. Early-life nicotine or cotinine exposure produces long-lasting sleep alterations and downregulation of hippocampal corticosteroid receptors in adult mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23897. [PMID: 34903845 PMCID: PMC8668915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03468-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life exposure to environmental toxins like tobacco can permanently re-program body structure and function. Here, we investigated the long-term effects on mouse adult sleep phenotype exerted by early-life exposure to nicotine or to its principal metabolite, cotinine. Moreover, we investigated whether these effects occurred together with a reprogramming of the activity of the hippocampus, a key structure to coordinate the hormonal stress response. Adult male mice born from dams subjected to nicotine (NIC), cotinine (COT) or vehicle (CTRL) treatment in drinking water were implanted with electrodes for sleep recordings. NIC and COT mice spent significantly more time awake than CTRL mice at the transition between the rest (light) and the activity (dark) period. NIC and COT mice showed hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) downregulation compared to CTRL mice, and NIC mice also showed hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptor downregulation. Hippocampal GR expression significantly and inversely correlated with the amount of wakefulness at the light-to-dark transition, while no changes in DNA methylation were found. We demonstrated that early-life exposure to nicotine (and cotinine) concomitantly entails long-lasting reprogramming of hippocampal activity and sleep phenotype suggesting that the adult sleep phenotype may be modulated by events that occurred during that critical period of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Bastianini
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Viviana Lo Martire
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Alvente
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Berteotti
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriele Matteoli
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Stamatakos
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Silvani
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gary Cohen
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Women and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.412703.30000 0004 0587 9093Centre for Sleep Health and Research, Sleep Investigation Laboratory, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Giovanna Zoccoli
- PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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10
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Caputi FF, Carboni L, Rullo L, Alessandrini I, Balzani E, Melotti RM, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Fanelli A. An Exploratory Pilot Study of Changes in Global DNA Methylation in Patients Undergoing Major Breast Surgery Under Opioid-Based General Anesthesia. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:733577. [PMID: 34621169 PMCID: PMC8491974 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.733577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate DNA methylation levels in patients undergoing major breast surgery under opioid-based general anesthesia. Blood samples were collected from eleven enrolled patients, before, during and after anesthesia. PBMC were isolated and global DNA methylation levels as well as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and cytokine gene expression were assessed. DNA methylation levels significantly declined by 26%, reversing the direction after the end of surgery. Likewise, DNMT1a mRNA expression was significantly reduced at all time points, with lowest level of −68%. DNMT3a and DNMT3b decreased by 65 and 71%, respectively. Inflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNFα mRNA levels showed a trend for increased expression at early time-points to end with a significant decrease at 48 h after surgery. This exploratory study revealed for the first time intraoperative global DNA hypomethylation in patients undergoing major breast surgery under general anesthesia with fentanyl. The alterations of global DNA methylation here observed seem to be in agreement with DNMTs gene expression changes. Furthermore, based on perioperative variations of IL6 and TNFα gene expression, we hypothesize that DNA hypomethylation may occur as a response to surgical stress rather than to opiate exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Carboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Alessandrini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Balzani
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rita Maria Melotti
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Fanelli
- Anesthesiology and Pain Therapy Unit, AOSP S.Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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11
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Costa G, Caputi FF, Serra M, Simola N, Rullo L, Stamatakos S, Sanna F, Germain M, Martinoli MG, Candeletti S, Morelli M, Romualdi P. Activation of Antioxidant and Proteolytic Pathways in the Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic System After 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Administration: Sex-Related Differences. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:713486. [PMID: 34512343 PMCID: PMC8430399 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.713486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) is an amphetamine-related drug that may damage the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system. To investigate the mechanisms that sustain this toxic effect and ascertain their sex-dependence, we evaluated in the nigrostriatal system of MDMA-treated (4 × 20 mg/kg, 2 h apart) male and female mice the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the gene expression of SOD type 1 and 2, together with SOD1/2 co-localization with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons. In the same mice and brain areas, activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and of β2/β5 subunits of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) were also evaluated. After MDMA, SOD1 increased in striatal TH-positive terminals, but not nigral neurons, of males and females, while SOD2 increased in striatal TH-positive terminals and nigral neurons of males only. Moreover, after MDMA, SOD1 gene expression increased in the midbrain of males and females, whereas SOD2 increased only in males. Finally, MDMA increased the SOD activity in the midbrain of females, without affecting GPx activity, decreased the β2/β5 activities in the striatum of males and the β2 activity in the midbrain of females. These results suggest that the mechanisms of MDMA-induced neurotoxic effects are sex-dependent and dopaminergic neurons of males could be more sensitive to SOD2- and UPS-mediated toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Stamatakos
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marc Germain
- Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.,CERMO-FC UQAM, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Maria-Grazia Martinoli
- Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval and CHU Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Rullo L, Posa L, Caputi FF, Stamatakos S, Formaggio F, Caprini M, Liguori R, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Nociceptive behavior and central neuropeptidergic dysregulations in male and female mice of a Fabry disease animal model. Brain Res Bull 2021; 175:158-167. [PMID: 34339779 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked inherited disorder characterized by glycosphingolipid accumulation due to deficiency of α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) enzyme. Chronic pain and mood disorders frequently coexist in FD clinical setting, however underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms are still unclear. Here we investigated the mechanical and thermal sensitivity in α-Gal A (-/0) hemizygous male and the α-Gal A (-/-) homozygous female mice. We also characterized the gene expression of dynorphinergic, nociceptinergic and CRFergic systems, known to be involved in pain control and mood disorders, in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and thalamus of α-Gal A (-/0) hemizygous male and the α-Gal A (-/-) homozygous female mice. Moreover, KOP receptor protein levels were evaluated in the same areas. Fabry knock-out male, but not female, mice displayed a decreased pain threshold in both mechanical and thermal tests compared to their wild type littermates. In the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, we observed a decrease of pDYN mRNA levels in males, whereas an increase was assessed in females, thus suggesting sex-related dysregulation of stress coping and pain mechanisms. Elevated mRNA levels for pDYN/KOP and CRF/CRFR1 systems were observed in male and female thalamus, a critical crossroad for both painful signals and cognitive/emotional processes. KOP receptor protein level changes assessed in the investigated areas, appeared mostly in agreement with KOP gene expression alterations. Our data suggest that α-Gal A enzyme deficiency in male and female mice is associated with distinct neuropeptide gene and protein expression dysregulations of investigated systems, possibly related to the neuroplasticity underlying the neurological features of FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rullo
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Luca Posa
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy; Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Serena Stamatakos
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Francesco Formaggio
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Marco Caprini
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy; Dept. of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Altura 3, Bologna, 40139, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
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13
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Galvez-Llompart M, Ocello R, Rullo L, Stamatakos S, Alessandrini I, Zanni R, Tuñón I, Cavalli A, Candeletti S, Masetti M, Romualdi P, Recanatini M. Targeting the JAK/STAT Pathway: A Combined Ligand- and Target-Based Approach. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:3091-3108. [PMID: 33998810 PMCID: PMC8491162 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c01468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Janus kinases (JAKs) are a family of proinflammatory enzymes able to mediate the immune responses and the inflammatory cascade by modulating multiple cytokine expressions as well as various growth factors. In the present study, the inhibition of the JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is explored as a potential strategy for treating autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. A computationally driven approach aimed at identifying novel JAK inhibitors based on molecular topology, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations was carried out. For the best candidates selected, the inhibitory activity against JAK2 was evaluated in vitro. Two hit compounds with a novel chemical scaffold, 4 (IC50 = 0.81 μM) and 7 (IC50 = 0.64 μM), showed promising results when compared with the reference drug Tofacitinib (IC50 = 0.031 μM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Galvez-Llompart
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Av. Vicente Estelles s/n, 46100 Burjassot (Valencia), Spain.,Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC) Universidad Politécnica de Valencia Av. Naranjos s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Riccardo Ocello
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Stamatakos
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Alessandrini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zanni
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Av. Vicente Estelles s/n, 46100 Burjassot (Valencia), Spain
| | - Iñaki Tuñón
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Av. Vicente Estelles s/n, 46100 Burjassot (Valencia), Spain
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy.,Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Masetti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Recanatini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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14
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Caputi FF, Stopponi S, Rullo L, Palmisano M, Ubaldi M, Candeletti S, Ciccocioppo R, Romualdi P. Dysregulation of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ and Dynorphin Systems in the Extended Amygdala of Alcohol Preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msP) Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052448. [PMID: 33671048 PMCID: PMC7957504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that genetically selected Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats consume excessive amounts of ethanol to self-medicate from negative moods and to relieve innate hypersensitivity to stress. This phenotype resembling a subset of alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients, appears to be linked to a dysregulation of the equilibrium between stress and antistress mechanisms in the extended amygdala. Here, comparing water and alcohol exposed msP and Wistar rats we evaluate the transcript expression of the anti-stress opioid-like peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor NOP as well as of dynorphin (DYN) and its cognate κ-opioid receptor (KOP). In addition, we measured the transcript levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), CRF receptor 1 (CRF1R), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and of the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor (Trk-B). Results showed an innately up-regulation of the CRFergic system, mediating negative mood and stress responses, as well as an inherent up-regulation of the anti-stress N/OFQ system, both in the amygdala (AMY) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of msP rats. The up-regulation of this latter system may reflect an attempt to buffer the negative condition elicited by the hyperactivity of pro-stress mechanisms since results showed that voluntary alcohol consumption dampened N/OFQ. Alcohol exposure also reduced the expression of dynorphin and CRF transmissions in the AMY of msP rats. In the BNST, alcohol intake led to a more complex reorganization of these systems increasing receptor transcripts in msP rats, along with an increase of CRF and a decrease of N/OFQ transcripts, respectively. Moreover, mimicking the effects of alcohol in the AMY we observed that the activation of NOP receptor by intracerebroventricular administration of N/OFQ in msP rats caused an increase of BDNF and a decrease of CRF transcripts. Our study indicates that both stress and anti-stress mechanisms are dysregulated in the extended AMY of msP rats. The voluntary alcohol drinking, as well as NOP agonism, have a significant impact on neuropeptidergic systems arrangement, bringing the systems back to normalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Serena Stopponi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Martina Palmisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.R.)
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.R.)
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15
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Posa L, Lopez-Canul M, Rullo L, De Gregorio D, Dominguez-Lopez S, Kaba Aboud M, Caputi FF, Candeletti S, Romualdi P, Gobbi G. Nociceptive responses in melatonin MT 2 receptor knockout mice compared to MT 1 and double MT 1 /MT 2 receptor knockout mice. J Pineal Res 2020; 69:e12671. [PMID: 32430930 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, a neurohormone that binds to two G protein-coupled receptors MT1 and MT2, is involved in pain regulation, but the distinct role of each receptor has yet to be defined. We characterized the nociceptive responses of mice with genetic inactivation of melatonin MT1 (MT1 -/- ), or MT2 (MT2 -/- ), or both MT1 /MT2 (MT1 -/- /MT2 -/- ) receptors in the hot plate test (HPT), and the formalin test (FT). In HPT and FT, MT1 -/- display no differences compared to their wild-type littermates (CTL), whereas both MT2 -/- and MT1 -/- /MT2 -/- mice showed a reduced thermal sensitivity and a decreased tonic nocifensive behavior during phase 2 of the FT in the light phase. The MT2 partial agonist UCM924 induced an antinociceptive effect in MT1 -/- but not in MT2 -/- and MT1 -/- /MT2 -/- mice. Also, the competitive opioid antagonist naloxone had no effects in CTL, whereas it induced a decrease of nociceptive thresholds in MT2 -/- mice. Our results show that the genetic inactivation of melatonin MT2 , but not MT1 receptors, produces a distinct effect on nociceptive threshold, suggesting that the melatonin MT2 receptor subtype is selectively involved in the regulation of pain responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Posa
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martha Lopez-Canul
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sergio Dominguez-Lopez
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Matthew Kaba Aboud
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Coluzzi F, Caputi FF, Billeci D, Pastore AL, Candeletti S, Rocco M, Romualdi P. Safe Use of Opioids in Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis Patients: Tips and Tricks for Non-Pain Specialists. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2020; 16:821-837. [PMID: 32982255 PMCID: PMC7490082 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s262843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients suffering from moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), subjected to hemodialysis (HD), pain is very common, but often underestimated. Opioids are still the mainstay of severe chronic pain management; however, their prescription in CKD and HD patients is still significantly low and pain is often under-treated. Altered pharmacokinetics and the lack of clinical trials on the use of opioids in patients with renal impairment increase physicians' concerns in this specific population. This narrative review focused on the correct and safe use of opioids in patients with CKD and HD. Morphine and codeine are not recommended, because the accumulation of their metabolites may cause neurotoxic symptoms. Oxycodone and hydromorphone can be safely used, but adequate dosage adjustments are required in CKD. In dialyzed patients, these opioids should be considered as second-line agents and patients should be carefully monitored. According to different studies, buprenorphine and fentanyl could be considered first-line opioids in the management of pain in CKD; however, fentanyl is not appropriate in patients undergoing HD. Tapentadol does not need dosage adjustment in mild-to-moderate renal impairment conditions; however, no data are available on its use in ESRD. Opioid-related side effects may be exacerbated by common comorbidities in CKD patients. Opioid-induced constipation can be managed with peripherally-acting-μ-opioid-receptor-antagonists (PAMORA). Unlike the other PAMORA, naldemedine does not require any dose adjustment in CKD and HD patients. Accurate pain diagnosis, opioid titration and tailoring are mandatory to minimize the risks and to improve the outcome of the analgesic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Coluzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
- Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Billeci
- Division of Neurosurgery, Ca’Foncello Hospital, ASL Marca Trevigiana, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
| | - Antonio Luigi Pastore
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
- Unit of Urology, Sapienza c/o I.C.O.T, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Rocco
- Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna, Italy
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Borruto AM, Fotio Y, Stopponi S, Brunori G, Petrella M, Caputi FF, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Narendran R, Rorick-Kehn LM, Ubaldi M, Weiss F, Ciccocioppo R. NOP receptor antagonism reduces alcohol drinking in male and female rats through mechanisms involving the central amygdala and ventral tegmental area. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:1525-1537. [PMID: 31713848 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide and its cognate receptor (NOP) are widely expressed in mesolimbic brain regions where they play an important role in modulating reward and motivation. Early evidence suggested that NOP receptor activation attenuates the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, including alcohol. However, emerging data indicate that NOP receptor blockade also effectively attenuates alcohol drinking and relapse. To advance our understanding of the role of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in alcohol abuse, we examined the effect of NOP receptor blockade on voluntary alcohol drinking at the neurocircuitry level. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using male and female genetically selected alcohol-preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msP) rats, we initially evaluated the effects of the selective NOP receptor antagonist LY2817412 (3, 10, and 30 mg·kg-1 , p.o.) on alcohol consumption in a two-bottle free-choice paradigm. We then microinjected LY2817412 (3 and 6 μg·μl-1 per rat) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and nucleus accumbens (NAc). KEY RESULTS Peripheral LY2817412 administration dose-dependently and selectively reduced voluntary alcohol intake in male and female msP rats. Central injections of LY2817412 markedly attenuated voluntary alcohol intake in both sexes following administration in the CeA and VTA but not in the NAc. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The present results revealed that the CeA and VTA are neuroanatomical substrates that mediate the effects of NOP receptor antagonism on alcohol consumption. Overall, our findings support the potential of NOP receptor antagonism as a treatment strategy to attenuate alcohol use and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yannick Fotio
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Gloria Brunori
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rajesh Narendran
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Linda M Rorick-Kehn
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
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Caputi FF, Caffino L, Candeletti S, Fumagalli F, Romualdi P. Short-term withdrawal from repeated exposure to cocaine during adolescence modulates dynorphin mRNA levels and BDNF signaling in the rat nucleus accumbens. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 197:127-133. [PMID: 30818133 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-life stressful events affect the neurobiological maturation of cerebral circuitries including the endogenous opioid system and the effects elicited by adolescent cocaine exposure on this system have been poorly investigated. Here, we evaluated whether cocaine exposure during adolescence causes short- or long-term alterations in mRNAs codifying for selected elements belonging to the opioid system. Moreover, since brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may undergo simultaneous alterations with the opioid peptide dynorphin, we also evaluated its signaling pathway as well. METHODS Adolescent male rats were exposed to cocaine (20 mg/kg/day) from post-natal day (PND) 28 to PND42, approximately corresponding to human adolescence. After short- (PND45) or long-term (PND90) abstinence, prodynorphin-κ-opioid receptor (pDYN-KOP) and pronociceptin-nociceptin receptor (pN/OFQ-NOP) gene expression were evaluated in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus (Hip) together with the analysis of BDNF signaling pathways. RESULTS In the NAc of PND45 rats, pDYN mRNA levels were up-regulated, an effect paralled by increased BDNF signaling. Differently from NAc, pDYN mRNA levels were down-regulated in the Hip of PND45 rats without significant changes of BDNF pathway. At variance from PND45 rats, we did not find any significant alteration of the investigated parameters either in NAc and Hip of PND90 rats. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the short-term withdrawal from adolescent cocaine exposure is characterized by a parallel pDYN mRNA and BDNF signaling increase in the NAc. Given the depressive-like state experienced during short abstinence in humans, we hypothesize that such changes may contribute to promote the risk of cocaine abuse escalation and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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Caputi FF, Rullo L, Stamatakos S, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Interplay between the Endogenous Opioid System and Proteasome Complex: Beyond Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061441. [PMID: 30901925 PMCID: PMC6470665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular signaling mechanisms underlying the opioid system regulation of nociception, neurotransmitters release, stress responses, depression, and the modulation of reward circuitry have been investigated from different points of view. The presence of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in the synaptic terminations suggest a potential role of ubiquitin-dependent mechanisms in the control of the membrane occupancy by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including those belonging to the opioid family. In this review, we focused our attention on the role played by the ubiquitination processes and by UPS in the modulation of opioid receptor signaling and in pathological conditions involving the endogenous opioid system. The collective evidence here reported highlights the potential usefulness of proteasome inhibitors in neuropathic pain, addictive behavior, and analgesia since these molecules can reduce pain behavioral signs, heroin self-administration, and the development of morphine analgesic tolerance. Moreover, the complex mechanisms involved in the effects induced by opioid agonists binding to their receptors include the ubiquitination process as a post-translational modification which plays a relevant role in receptor trafficking and degradation. Hence, UPS modulation may offer novel opportunities to control the balance between therapeutic versus adverse effects evoked by opioid receptor activation, thus, representing a promising druggable target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Serena Stamatakos
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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20
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Caputi FF, Nicora M, Simeone R, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Tapentadol: an analgesic that differs from classic opioids due to its noradrenergic mechanism of action. Minerva Med 2019; 110:62-78. [PMID: 30667206 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.18.05909-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain treatment represents one of the most complex clinical challenges and even though opioids exhibit particular efficacy on nociceptive pain, their use must be controlled to avoid the risk of adverse reactions. A useful approach, aimed at maintaining analgesia and mitigating side effects, is represented by the use of a new class of analgesics endowed of µ-opioid (MOR) receptor agonism and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition (NRI) mechanisms. Tapentadol is the progenitor of this new class of drugs called MOP-NRI. A literature review has been conducted to gain information about the efficacy and the tolerability profile of tapentadol shifting from MOR agonism (acute pain) to NRI activity (chronic pain). The tolerability and therapeutic safety of tapentadol in neuropathic pain models, as well as in clinical settings, has been analyzed showing a good gastrointestinal tolerability profile, a moderate effect on hormone levels (in healthy volunteers and in patients) and on cognitive performance, a lack of significant alteration of the electrocardiogram recording and no changes of the QT/QTc interval, a minimal effect on serotonin reuptake in vivo with a low risk of serotonin syndrome, a longer time for the onset of analgesic tolerance and a less occurrence of abuse liability compared to formulations containing other comparator compounds. Tapentadol represents a great innovation in chronic pain therapy with a unique analgesic profile different form classical opioids, therefore, thanks to its synergistic MOR-NRI action, it may be a good option for the treatment of chronic, neuropathic and mixed pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca F Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy -
| | | | | | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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21
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Abstract
Over the years, the ability of N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in modulating several physiological functions, including the release of neurotransmitters, anxiety-like behavior responses, modulation of the reward circuitry, inflammatory signaling, nociception, and motor function, has been examined in several brain regions and at spinal level. This chapter collects information related to the genes encoding the ppN/OFQ and NOP receptor, their regulation, and relative transcriptional control mechanisms. Furthermore, genetic manipulations, polymorphisms, and epigenetic alterations associated with different pathological conditions are discussed. The evidence here collected indicates that the study of ppN/OFQ and NOP receptor gene expression may offer novel opportunities in the field of personalized therapies and highlights this system as a good "druggable target" for different pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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22
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Palmisano M, Caputi FF, Mercatelli D, Romualdi P, Candeletti S. Dynorphinergic system alterations in the corticostriatal circuitry of neuropathic mice support its role in the negative affective component of pain. Genes Brain Behav 2018; 18:e12467. [PMID: 29430855 PMCID: PMC7379183 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The dynorphinergic system is involved in pain transmission at spinal level, where dynorphin exerts antinociceptive or pronociceptive effects, based on its opioid or non‐opioid actions. Surprisingly, little evidence is currently available concerning the supraspinal role of the dynorphinergic system in pain conditions. The present study aimed to investigate whether neuropathic pain is accompanied by prodynorphin (Pdyn) and κ‐opioid receptor (Oprk1) gene expression alterations in selected mouse brain areas. To this end, mice were subjected to chronic constriction injury of the right sciatic nerve and neuropathic pain behavioral signs were ascertained after 14 days. At this interval, a marked increase in Pdyn mRNA in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) was observed. Oprk1 gene expression was increased in the PFC, and decreased in the ACC and nucleus accumbens (NAc). No changes were observed in the other investigated regions. Because of the relationship between dynorphin and the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, and the role of this neurotrophin in chronic pain‐related neuroplasticity, we investigated brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene (Bdnf) expression in the areas showing Pdyn or Oprk1 mRNAs changes. Bdnf mRNA levels were increased in both the ACC and PFC, whereas no changes were assessed in the NAc. Present data indicate that the dynorphinergic system undergoes quite selective alterations involving the corticostriatal circuitry during neuropathic pain, suggesting a contribution to the negative affective component of pain. Moreover, parallel increases in Pdyn and Bdnf mRNA at cortical level suggest the occurrence of likely interactions between these systems in neuropathic pain maladaptive neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Palmisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F F Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - D Mercatelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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23
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Caputi FF, Acquas E, Kasture S, Ruiu S, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. The standardized Withania somnifera Dunal root extract alters basal and morphine-induced opioid receptor gene expression changes in neuroblastoma cells. BMC Complement Altern Med 2018; 18:9. [PMID: 29316911 PMCID: PMC5761194 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Behavioral studies demonstrated that the administration of Withania somnifera Dunal roots extract (WSE), prolongs morphine-elicited analgesia and reduces the development of tolerance to the morphine’s analgesic effect; however, little is known about the underpinning molecular mechanism(s). In order to shed light on this issue in the present paper we explored whether WSE promotes alterations of μ (MOP) and nociceptin (NOP) opioid receptors gene expression in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods A range of WSE concentrations was preliminarily tested to evaluate their effects on cell viability. Subsequently, the effects of 5 h exposure to WSE (0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mg/ml), applied alone and in combination with morphine or naloxone, on MOP and NOP mRNA levels were investigated. Results Data analysis revealed that morphine decreased MOP and NOP receptor gene expression, whereas naloxone elicited their up-regulation. In addition, pre-treatment with naloxone prevented the morphine-elicited gene expression alterations. Interestingly, WSE was able to: a) alter MOP but not NOP gene expression; b) counteract, at its highest concentration, morphine-induced MOP down-regulation, and c) hamper naloxone-induced MOP and NOP up-regulation. Conclusion Present in-vitro data disclose novel evidence about the ability of WSE to influence MOP and NOP opioid receptors gene expression in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, our findings suggest that the in-vivo modulation of morphine-mediated analgesia by WSE could be related to the hindering of morphine-elicited opioid receptors down-regulation here observed following WSE pre-treatment at its highest concentration.
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Palmisano M, Mercatelli D, Caputi FF, Carretta D, Romualdi P, Candeletti S. N/OFQ system in brain areas of nerve-injured mice: its role in different aspects of neuropathic pain. Genes Brain Behav 2017; 16:537-545. [PMID: 28000999 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Several studies showed that chronic pain causes reorganization and functional alterations of supraspinal brain regions. The nociceptin-NOP receptor system is one of the major systems involved in pain control and much evidence also suggested its implication in stress, anxiety and depression. Therefore, we investigated the nociceptin-NOP system alterations in selected brain regions in a neuropathic pain murine model. Fourteen days after the common sciatic nerve ligature, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis indicated a significant decrease of pronociceptin and NOP receptor mRNA levels in the thalamus; these alterations could contribute to the decrease of the thalamic inhibitory function reported in neuropathic pain condition. Nociceptin peptide and NOP mRNA increased in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and not in the somatosensory cortex, suggesting a peculiar involvement of this system in pain regulating circuitry. Similarly to the ACC, an increase of nociceptin peptide levels was observed in the amygdala. Finally, the pronociceptin and NOP mRNAs decrease observed in the hypothalamus reflects the lack of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activation, already reported in neuropathic pain models. Our data indicate that neuropathic pain conditions affect the supraspinal nociceptin-NOP system which is also altered in regions known to play a role in emotional aspects of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Palmisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - D Mercatelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F F Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - D Carretta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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25
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Peana AT, Sánchez-Catalán MJ, Hipólito L, Rosas M, Porru S, Bennardini F, Romualdi P, Caputi FF, Candeletti S, Polache A, Granero L, Acquas E. Mystic Acetaldehyde: The Never-Ending Story on Alcoholism. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:81. [PMID: 28553209 PMCID: PMC5425597 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
After decades of uncertainties and drawbacks, the study on the role and significance of acetaldehyde in the effects of ethanol seemed to have found its main paths. Accordingly, the effects of acetaldehyde, after its systemic or central administration and as obtained following ethanol metabolism, looked as they were extensively characterized. However, almost 5 years after this research appeared at its highest momentum, the investigations on this topic have been revitalized on at least three main directions: (1) the role and the behavioral significance of acetaldehyde in different phases of ethanol self-administration and in voluntary ethanol consumption; (2) the distinction, in the central effects of ethanol, between those arising from its non-metabolized fraction and those attributable to ethanol-derived acetaldehyde; and (3) the role of the acetaldehyde-dopamine condensation product, salsolinol. The present review article aims at presenting and discussing prospectively the most recent data accumulated following these three research pathways on this never-ending story in order to offer the most up-to-date synoptic critical view on such still unresolved and exciting topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María J. Sánchez-Catalán
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of ValenciaValència, Spain
| | - Lucia Hipólito
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of ValenciaValència, Spain
| | - Michela Rosas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Porru
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Francesca F. Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Ana Polache
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of ValenciaValència, Spain
| | - Luis Granero
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, University of ValenciaValència, Spain
| | - Elio Acquas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
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Caputi FF, Palmisano M, Carboni L, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Opioid gene expression changes and post-translational histone modifications at promoter regions in the rat nucleus accumbens after acute and repeated 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) exposure. Pharmacol Res 2016; 114:209-218. [PMID: 27989838 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The recreational drug of abuse 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been shown to produce neurotoxic damage and long-lasting changes in several brain areas. In addition to the involvement of serotoninergic and dopaminergic systems, little information exists about the contribution of nociceptin/orphaninFQ (N/OFQ)-NOP and dynorphin (DYN)-KOP systems in neuronal adaptations evoked by MDMA. Here we investigated the behavioral and molecular effects induced by acute (8mg/kg) or repeated (8mg/kg twice daily for seven days) MDMA exposure. MDMA exposure affected body weight gain and induced hyperlocomotion; this latter effect progressively decreased after repeated administration. Gene expression analysis indicated a down-regulation of the N/OFQ system and an up-regulation of the DYN system in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), highlighting an opposite systems regulation in response to MDMA exposure. Since histone modifications have been strongly associated to the addiction-related maladaptive changes, we examined two permissive (acH3K9 and me3H3K4) and two repressive transcription marks (me3H3K27 and me2H3K9) at the pertinent opioid gene promoter regions. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that acute MDMA increased me3H3K4 at the pN/OFQ, pDYN and NOP promoters. Following acute and repeated treatment a significant decrease of acH3K9 at the pN/OFQ promoter was observed, which correlated with gene expression results. Acute treatment caused an acH3K9 increase and a me2H3K9 decrease at the pDYN promoter which matched its mRNA up-regulation. Our data indicate that the activation of the DYNergic stress system together with the inactivation of the N/OFQergic anti-stress system contribute to the neuroadaptive actions of MDMA and offer novel epigenetic information associated with MDMA abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Palmisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Carboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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Abstract
The efficacy of transdermal fentanyl for cancer pain and chronic non-cancer pain (chronic lower back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain) is well established. Several formulations of fentanyl transdermal systems have been developed to improve the drug delivery and prevent misuse of the active principle. The addition of a rate controlling membrane to the matrix system represented an important advance. The design and functional features of Alghedon patch are compared with other approved generic fentanyl transdermal systems, emphasizing the distinctiveness of Alghedon patch. Alghedon patch has no liquid component in the finished product, therefore no leakage of active ingredient from the system can occur. A rate-controlling membrane provides controlled release of the active substance from the matrix reservoir, ensuring that fentanyl delivery and entry into the microcirculation is not solely controlled by the skin's permeability to this active substance. Alghedon patch contains part of the drug (approximately 15%) in the skin-contact adhesive: this innovative solution allows to overcome a typical drawback of transdermal patches, i.e. the long lag-time before the drug appears in plasma after the first administration, and provides rapid analgesia during the first hours of administration. Alghedon Fentanyl Transdermal System employs materials commonly used in other transdermal applications and having established safety profiles. For each strength level, the fentanyl content - and, thus, the resulting residual fentanyl remaining in the patch after use - is at the lowest end of the range used in commercially available fentanyl patches, minimizing the potential for abuse and misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Santi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna, Italy -
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Romualdi P, Candeletti S. Fentanyl citrate sublingual formulation (Vellofent®) for quick BTcP hindering. Minerva Med 2016; 107:114-122. [PMID: 27064584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The management of cancer pain presents manifold challenges: even though background pain is adequately controlled, patients frequently experience episodes of acute pain exacerbation known as breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP). The characteristics of BTcP are a rapid onset, a short duration, and a severe intensity. An innovative sublingual fentanyl citrate formulation (Vellofent®) has been developed to target BTcP. The new formulation allows to increase the solubility of fentanyl and to provide optimal oromucosal conditions for rapid drug absorption, thus featuring a shorter time to onset of pain relief (from 6 minutes post-administration).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy -
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Caputi FF, Carboni L, Mazza D, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Cocaine and ethanol target 26S proteasome activity and gene expression in neuroblastoma cells. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 161:265-75. [PMID: 26922280 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol and cocaine are widely abused drugs triggering long-lasting changes in neuronal circuits and synaptic transmission through the regulation of enzyme activity and gene expression. Compelling evidence indicates that the ubiquitin-proteasome system plays a role in the molecular changes induced by addictive substances, impacting on several mechanisms implicated in abuse. The goal of these studies was to evaluate the effects of cocaine or ethanol on proteasome activity in neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, the gene expression of specific subunits was assessed. METHODS Chymotrypsin-like activity was measured after 2 h, 24 h, and 48 h exposure to 5 μM cocaine or 40 mM ethanol. Proteasome subunit transcripts were evaluated by qPCR at the same time-points. RESULTS Treatments modified proteasome function in opposite directions, since cocaine increased and ethanol reduced chymotrypsin-like activity. Interestingly, we observed gene expression alterations induced by these drugs. In the core particle, the β1 and α5 subunits were mainly up-regulated by cocaine, whereas α6 transcripts were mostly decreased. β2 and β5 did not change. Similarly, ethanol exposure generally increased β1 and α5 mRNAs. Moreover, the β2 subunit was significantly up-regulated by ethanol only. The β5 and α6 subunits were not altered. In the regulatory particle, Rpt3 was increased by cocaine exposure, whereas it was reduced by ethanol. No significant Rpn9 alterations were observed. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the notion that addictive substances regulate proteasome function, contributing to the dysregulations related to drug abuse since the availability of adequate subunit amounts is necessary for proper complex assembly and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Lucia Carboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daria Mazza
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Caputi FF, Carretta D, Lattanzio F, Palmisano M, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Proteasome subunit and opioid receptor gene expression down-regulation induced by paraquat and maneb in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 40:895-900. [PMID: 26498265 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2015.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Paraquat (PQ) and maneb (MB) are able to induce neurotoxic effects by promoting α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates and altering tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), thus increasing the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). These pesticides promote neurotoxic effects also by affecting proteasome function that normally regulate protein turnover. We investigated the effects of the two pesticides exposure on multiple targets involved in PD, using SH-SY5Y cells. First, we evaluated TH and α-syn protein levels following PQ and MB cell exposure and a significant increase of these protein levels was observed. Subsequently, since a relationship between ubiquitin/proteasome and opioid receptors has been proposed, the effects of pesticides on their gene expression have been investigated. A decrease of β1 and Rpt3 proteasome subunit mRNA levels, together with the μ and δ opioid receptor down-regulation, was detected. The reported alterations, here simultaneously observed, help to clarify the involvement of multiple biological markers implicated in PD, often separately evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Donatella Carretta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Lattanzio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Palmisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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Carboni L, Lattanzio F, Candeletti S, Porcellini E, Raschi E, Licastro F, Romualdi P. Peripheral leukocyte expression of the potential biomarker proteins Bdnf, Sirt1, and Psen1 is not regulated by promoter methylation in Alzheimer's disease patients. Neurosci Lett 2015; 605:44-8. [PMID: 26275347 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The identification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers is crucial to support drug discovery. Within putative biomarkers, peripheral Bdnf levels correlate with cognitive decline and AD, although conflicting findings are reported. Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) serum levels are lower in AD patients and Presenilin 1 (Psen1) is expressed by blood cells. DNA methylation is altered in AD patients, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms play a role in AD pathophysiology. The objective of this study was to investigate promoter methylation levels of potential biomarkers in AD cases and controls. Peripheral blood DNA methylation levels were analysed by methylation-specific primer real-time PCR. Bdnf promoter methylation levels did not differ between AD patients and controls. Similarly, Sirt1 promoter revealed minimal levels of methylation which did not display significant differences between groups. No significant difference was revealed between AD patients and controls also in Psen1 methylation, showing a large variability of values among subjects. Although peripheral Bdnf expression is associated with differential promoter methylation in psychiatric and neurological disorders, our results suggest that different mechanisms take place in AD. The finding that the control of Sirt1 protein levels in blood is not exerted through the repression of mRNA expression by promoter hypermethylation is in agreement with previous data. In contrast, other studies reported that Psen1 methylation may be increased or decreased in AD patients, suggesting that additional studies are required. In conclusion, this study shows that peripheral levels of the potential AD biomarker proteins Bdnf, Sirt1, and Psen1 are not regulated by different promoter methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Carboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesca Lattanzio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Porcellini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Raschi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Licastro
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Kiraly K, Caputi FF, Hanuska A, Kató E, Balogh M, Köles L, Palmisano M, Riba P, Hosztafi S, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Ferdinandy P, Fürst S, Al-Khrasani M. A new potent analgesic agent with reduced liability to produce morphine tolerance. Brain Res Bull 2015; 117:32-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Bastías-Candia S, Di Benedetto M, D'Addario C, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Combined exposure to agriculture pesticides, paraquat and maneb, induces alterations in the N/OFQ-NOPr and PDYN/KOPr systems in rats: Relevance to sporadic Parkinson's disease. Environ Toxicol 2015; 30:656-63. [PMID: 24376148 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite several years of research, the aetiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is quite far from being solved. In PD, as well as in other neurodegenerative disorders, it has been proposed that the combination of multiple factors might contribute to the onset of the disease. Indeed, several authors have suggested that environmental factors, such as pollutants and chemicals, might be associated with the onset of several neurodegenerative disorders. On the other hand, several studies have described that the nociceptin/orphanin-NOP and prodynorphin-KOP opioid systems are implicated in the pathology of Parkinson's disease. Considering the nonrestricted commercial availability and common use of several pesticides, such as paraquat and maneb, in agriculture of less developed countries, the aim of our study was to investigate the involvement of nociceptin/orphanin-NOP and prodynorphin-KOP systems in a chronic paraquat and maneb animal model of Parkinson's disease. Our results showed that after paraquat/maneb (5/15 mg kg(-1) ) treatment, a significant reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels, the rate-limiting enzyme for dopamine synthesis, was observed. Also, the association of paraquat and maneb (5/15 mg kg(-1) ) induced an increase in nociceptin/orphanin and a decrease of prodynorphin gene expression levels in the substantia nigra with a down-regulation of NOP and KOP receptors after both treatments in the substantia nigra and caudate putamen. These data further confirm that paraquat and maneb toxicity can modulate gene expression of the nociceptin/orphanin-NOP receptor and prodynorphin-KOP receptor systems in the substantia nigra and caudate putamen, offering further support to the hypothesis that chronic exposure to these agrochemicals might be implicated in the mechanisms underlying sporadic Parkinson's disease. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 656-663, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela Di Benedetto
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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Caputi FF, Di Benedetto M, Carretta D, Bastias del Carmen Candia S, D'Addario C, Cavina C, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Dynorphin/KOP and nociceptin/NOP gene expression and epigenetic changes by cocaine in rat striatum and nucleus accumbens. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 49:36-46. [PMID: 24184686 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine induces neurochemical changes of endogenous prodynorphin-kappa opioid receptor (pDYN-KOP) and pronociceptin/orphaninFQ-nociceptin receptor (pN/OFQ-NOP) systems. Both systems play an important role in rewarding mechanisms and addictive stimulus processing by modulating drug-induced dopaminergic activation in the mesocortico-limbic brain areas. They are also involved in regulating stress mechanisms related to addiction. The aim of this study was to investigate possible changes of gene expression of the dynorphinergic and nociceptinergic system components in the nucleus accumbens (NA) and in medial and lateral caudate putamen (mCPu and lCPu, respectively) of rats, following chronic subcutaneous infusion of cocaine. In addition, the epigenetic histone modifications H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 (an activating and a repressive marker, respectively) at the promoter level of the pDYN, KOP, pN/OFQ and NOP genes were investigated. Results showed that cocaine induced pDYN gene expression up-regulation in the NA and lCPu, and its down-regulation in the mCPu, whereas KOP mRNA levels were unchanged. Moreover, cocaine exposure decreased pN/OFQ gene expression in the NA and lCPu, while NOP mRNA levels appeared significantly increased in the NA and decreased in the lCPu. Specific changes of the H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 levels were found at pDYN, pN/OFQ, and NOP gene promoter, consistent with the observed gene expression alterations. The present findings contribute to better define the role of endogenous pDYN-KOP and pN/OFQ-NOP systems in neuroplasticity mechanisms following chronic cocaine treatment. The epigenetic histone modifications underlying the gene expression changes likely mediate the effects of cocaine on transcriptional regulation of specific gene promoters that result in long-lasting drug-induced plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Di Benedetto
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Donatella Carretta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Claudio D'Addario
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavina
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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Lattanzio F, Carboni L, Carretta D, Rimondini R, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Human apolipoprotein E4 modulates the expression of Pin1, Sirtuin 1, and Presenilin 1 in brain regions of targeted replacement apoE mice. Neuroscience 2014; 256:360-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Caputi FF, Lattanzio F, Carretta D, Mercatelli D, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Morphine and fentanyl differently affect MOP and NOP gene expression in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. J Mol Neurosci 2013; 51:532-8. [PMID: 23715695 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-013-0019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Morphine is widely used for the treatment of severe acute and chronic pain, but long-term therapy rapidly leads to tolerance. Morphine effects are mediated by μ opioid receptor (MOP) activation as well as for fentanyl that, in contrast to morphine, induces less tolerance to analgesia. The mechanisms underlying opioid tolerance involve complex processes, such as MOP desensitization, internalization, and/or changes of gene expression. The development of morphine tolerance also involves adaptive changes of the anti-opioid nociceptin/orphanin FQ-nociceptin receptor system, as suggested by the reduction of morphine tolerance in nociceptin opioid receptor (NOP) knockout mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate the MOP and NOP gene expression in the SH-SY5Y cells following morphine and fentanyl exposure. Results showed that cell exposure to 10 μM morphine for 5 h induced a significant decrease of MOP and NOP gene expression and that the MOP downregulation was reverted by the pretreatment with naloxone. Conversely, SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 0.1 and 1 μM fentanyl for 5 and 72 h showed a significant MOP upregulation, also reverted by naloxone pretreatment. Fentanyl induced no changes of NOP gene expression. The present findings showed a different effect by morphine and fentanyl on MOP mRNA levels that contributes to define the role of MOP gene expression changes in the mechanisms underlying the tolerance. Morphine also triggers an altered NOP-related signaling confirming that the nociceptin/orphanin FQ-nociceptin receptor system also plays a significant role in the development of morphine tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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D'Addario C, Caputi FF, Rimondini R, Gandolfi O, Del Borrello E, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Different alcohol exposures induce selective alterations on the expression of dynorphin and nociceptin systems related genes in rat brain. Addict Biol 2013; 18:425-33. [PMID: 21507157 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2011.00326.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms of adaptive transformations caused by alcohol exposure on opioid dynorphin and nociceptin systems have been investigated in the rat brain. Alcohol was intragastrically administered to rats to resemble human drinking with several hours of exposure: water or alcohol (20% in water) at a dose of 1.5 g/kg three times daily for 1 or 5 days. The development of tolerance and dependence were recorded daily. Brains were dissected 30 minutes (1- and 5-day groups) or 1, 3 or 7 days after the last administration for the three other 5-day groups (groups under withdrawal). Specific alterations in opioid genes expression were ascertained. In the amygdala, an up-regulation of prodynorphin and pronociceptin was observed in the 1-day group; moreover, pronociceptin and the kappa opioid receptor mRNAs in the 5-day group and both peptide precursors in the 1-day withdrawal group were also up-regulated. In the prefrontal cortex, an increase in prodynorhin expression in the 1-day group was detected. These data indicate a relevant role of the dynorphinergic system in the negative hedonic states associated with multiple alcohol exposure. The pattern of alterations observed for the nociceptin system appears to be consistent with its role of functional antagonism towards the actions of ethanol associated with other opioid peptides. Our findings could help to the understanding of how alcohol differentially affects the opioid systems in the brain and also suggest the dynorphin and nociceptin systems as possible targets for the treatment and/or prevention of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Addario
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, Italy.
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38
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D'Addario C, Caputi FF, Ekström TJ, Di Benedetto M, Maccarrone M, Romualdi P, Candeletti S. Ethanol induces epigenetic modulation of prodynorphin and pronociceptin gene expression in the rat amygdala complex. J Mol Neurosci 2012; 49:312-9. [PMID: 22684622 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-012-9829-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several studies demonstrated the role of the endogenous opioid system in the development of susceptibility to alcohol dependence. Recently, we reported that binge intragastric administration of ethanol induces selective alterations of pronociceptin and prodynorphin gene expression in the rat amygdala complex depending on the days of exposures and on the development of tolerance and dependence. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential epigenetic mechanisms leading to these alcohol-induced changes in gene expression. Specific histone modifications and DNA methylation at opioid peptide precursor promoters were analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and real-time methylation-specific PCR, respectively. We found a linkage between gene expression alterations and epigenetic modulation at pronociceptin and prodynorphin promoters following alcohol treatment. In animals treated for 1 day, we observed a reversed correlation, with a decrease of histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (repressive mark) and an increase of histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (activating mark), associated with both gene expression up-regulation. In rats treated with alcohol for up to 5 days, we found an increase in histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation in the pronociceptin promoter providing further evidence of the already proposed possible role for histone deacetylases for addiction treatment. No significant alterations in DNA methylation and histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation following different alcohol exposures were present, suggesting the selectivity of epigenetic effects induced by alcohol. These data demonstrate that ethanol induces selective epigenetic changes, thus better defining the role of opioid peptides in the ethanol-induced effects in the amygdala complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Addario
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
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D'Addario C, Dell'Osso B, Palazzo MC, Benatti B, Lietti L, Cattaneo E, Galimberti D, Fenoglio C, Cortini F, Scarpini E, Arosio B, Di Francesco A, Di Benedetto M, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Mari D, Bergamaschini L, Bresolin N, Maccarrone M, Altamura AC. Selective DNA methylation of BDNF promoter in bipolar disorder: differences among patients with BDI and BDII. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:1647-55. [PMID: 22353757 PMCID: PMC3358733 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2012.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of bipolar disorder (BD) is still poorly understood, involving genetic and epigenetic mechanisms as well as environmental contributions. This study aimed to investigate the degree of DNA methylation at the promoter region of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, as one of the candidate genes associated with major psychoses, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from 94 patients with BD (BD I=49, BD II=45) and 52 healthy controls. A significant BDNF gene expression downregulation was observed in BD II 0.53±0.11%; P<0.05), but not in BD I (1.13±0.19%) patients compared with controls (CONT: 1±0.2%). Consistently, an hypermethylation of the BDNF promoter region was specifically found in BD II patients (CONT: 24.0±2.1%; BDI: 20.4±1.7%; BDII: 33.3±3.5%, P<0.05). Of note, higher levels of DNA methylation were observed in BD subjects on pharmacological treatment with mood stabilizers plus antidepressants (34.6±4.2%, predominantly BD II) compared with those exclusively on mood-stabilizing agents (21.7±1.8%; P<0.01, predominantly BD I). Moreover, among the different pharmacological therapies, lithium (20.1±3.8%, P<0.05) and valproate (23.6±2.9%, P<0.05) were associated with a significant reduction of DNA methylation compared with other drugs (35.6±4.6%). Present findings suggest selective changes in DNA methylation of BDNF promoter in subjects with BD type II and highlight the importance of epigenetic factors in mediating the onset and/or susceptibility to BD, providing new insight into the mechanisms of gene expression. Moreover, they shed light on possible mechanisms of action of mood-stabilizing compounds vs antidepressants in the treatment of BD, pointing out that BDNF regulation might be a key target for their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Addario
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Carlotta Palazzo
- Department of Clinical Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Milano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Benatti
- Department of Clinical Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Milano, Italy
| | - Licia Lietti
- Department of Clinical Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cattaneo
- Department of Clinical Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurology, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Fenoglio
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurology, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Cortini
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurology, Milano, Italy
| | - Elio Scarpini
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurology, Milano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Arosio
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Osp Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniela Mari
- Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Osp Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Nereo Bresolin
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurology, Milano, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - A Carlo Altamura
- Department of Clinical Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Milano, Italy
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Dell’Osso B, D’Addario C, Palazzo M, Benatti B, Lietti L, Cattaneo E, Galimberti D, Fenoglio C, Cortini F, Dobrea C, Scarpini E, Arosio B, Di Benedetto M, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Mari D, Mari M, Maccarrone M, Altamura A. P-699 - Selective DNA methylation of BDNF promoter in bipolar disorder: differences among patients vs controls and potential influence of pharmacological treatments. Eur Psychiatry 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(12)74866-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Arosio B, Bulbarelli A, Bastias Candia S, Lonati E, Mastronardi L, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Gussago C, Galimberti D, Scarpini E, DellOsso B, Altamura C, Maccarrone M, Bergamaschini L, DAddario C, Mari D. Pin1 Contribution to Alzheimers Disease: Transcriptional and Epigenetic Mechanisms in Patients with Late-Onset Alzheimers Disease. NEURODEGENER DIS 2012; 10:207-11. [DOI: 10.1159/000333799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Cannarsa R, Carretta D, Lattanzio F, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Decreases NOP Receptor Density and mRNA Levels in Human SH-SY5Y Cells. J Mol Neurosci 2011; 46:285-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-011-9552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Buccellato E, Carretta D, Utan A, Cavina C, Speroni E, Grassi G, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Acute and chronic cannabinoid extracts administration affects motor function in a CREAE model of multiple sclerosis. J Ethnopharmacol 2011; 133:1033-1038. [PMID: 21094240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/14/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY The multiple sclerosis is an immuno-mediated disorder of the Central Nervous System characterized by inflammatory processes and neurodegenerative changes. It has been shown that the endocannabinoid system is altered in this disease and that the exogenous cannabinoids may play a possible role in its therapeutic management. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of crude extracts of Cannabis sativa on motor symptoms in the chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (CREAE), a murine model of multiple sclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS CREAE-induced mice were injected by different crude ethanolic extracts from Cannabis sativa, containing Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, or cannabinoid-free, respectively. The effect of the combined treatment with Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol extracts has also been investigated. All extracts were administered in acute and chronic experimental protocols. RESULTS The chronic administration of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol-rich extract resulted in a significant reduction of neurological deficits that lasted until the end of the observations. The acute and chronic treatments with the cannabidiol-rich extract resulted unable to induce changes of neurological signs. However, during the relapse phase a significant decrease of neurological scores was observed. The combined treatment with Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol extracts was ineffective, whereas the acute administration of the cannabinoid-free extract showed a significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows a patchy effect of different cannabinoid extracts on CREAE-induced motor deficits. Although the effect of crude extracts of Cannabis sativa here reported need to be further investigated to define the exact therapeutic target of each cannabinoid, it may represent a possible therapeutic approach for the management of the multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Buccellato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna 40126, Italy
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Di Benedetto M, Bastías Candia SDC, D'Addario C, Porticella EE, Cavina C, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Regulation of opioid gene expression in the rat brainstem by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): role of serotonin and involvement of CREB and ERK cascade. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2011; 383:169-78. [PMID: 21181116 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-010-0587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The amphetamine analogue 3,4-methylendioxymetamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) causes complex adaptations at the molecular and cellular levels altering the activity of different brain neurotransmitters. The present study aims to verify the effects of single and repeated injections of MDMA on dynorphin and nociceptin systems gene regulation in the brainstem, an area rich in neurons containing serotonin. Both acute and chronic (twice a day for 7 days) MDMA (8 mg/kg) induced a marked increase in prodynorphin mRNA levels as well as in cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, without causing any effect on kappa opioid receptor or nociceptin system (both pronociceptin and its receptor) genes expression, in this brain region. The blockade of 5HT1/5HT2 receptors by methysergide abolished the acute MDMA-induced increase in prodynorphin. Moreover, the concomitant chronic administration of both methysergide and MDMA (7 days) induced a significant increase in all the dynorphin or nociceptin system genes expression and in CREB and ERK phosphorylation. Our data suggest the involvement of dynorphin in the effects evoked by MDMA in the brainstem, possibly via CREB and ERK1/2 cascade activation, since the ERK inhibitor PD98059 prevented the MDMA-induced prodynorphin gene expression, and, acutely, also through the involvement of serotoninergic mechanisms. Chronically, it is also possible to hypothesize a general inhibitor role of serotonin in the effects evoked by MDMA. Moreover, these findings strengthen the hypothesis, already proposed, of a neuroprotective role for both CREB and dynorphin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Di Benedetto
- Department of Pharmacology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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Benedetto MD, D’Addario C, Dell’Osso B, Candia SB, Cortini F, Galimberti D, Scarpini E, Candeletti S, Altamura AC, Romualdi P. Investigation on DNA methylation status of opioid peptides promoters in PBMCs of subjects with bipolar disorder. Pharmacol Rep 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(11)70493-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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D'Addario C, Johansson S, Candeletti S, Romualdi P, Ögren SO, Terenius L, Ekström TJ. Ethanol and acetaldehyde exposure induces specific epigenetic modifications in the prodynorphin gene promoter in a human neuroblastoma cell line. FASEB J 2010; 25:1069-75. [PMID: 21106935 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-168534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Ethanol alters neural activity through interaction with multiple neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. The endogenous opioid system seems to play a key role, since the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone (ReVia®) attenuates craving for alcohol. We recently reported that ethanol and acetaldehyde, the first product of ethanol metabolism, affect transcription of opioid system genes in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. In the current study, potential epigenetic mechanisms were investigated to clarify these effects on prodynorphin gene expression. DNA methylation was analyzed by bisulfite pyrosequencing, and chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to assess putative specific histone modifications at the prodynorphin gene promoter. The results demonstrated a temporal relationship between selective chromatin modifications induced by ethanol and acetaldehyde and changes in prodynorphin gene expression quantitated by real-time qPCR. DNA methylation was not altered in any of the experimental conditions used. The epigenetic changes may precede gene transcription, and histone modifications might keep the prodynorphin gene in a poised state for later reactivation. A link has been observed between gene expression alterations and selective epigenetic modulation in the prodynorphin promoter region, demonstrating a specificity of the changes induced by ethanol and acetaldehyde. The latter may be mediating ethanol effects at the genomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Addario
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Marti M, Sarubbo S, Latini F, Cavallo M, Eleopra R, Biguzzi S, Lettieri C, Conti C, Simonato M, Zucchini S, Quatrale R, Sensi M, Candeletti S, Romualdi P, Morari M. Brain interstitial nociceptin/orphanin FQ levels are elevated in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord 2010; 25:1723-32. [PMID: 20589874 DOI: 10.1002/mds.23271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression and release of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) are elevated in the substantia nigra reticulata of 6-hydroxydopamine-hemilesioned rats, suggesting a pathogenic role for N/OFQ in Parkinson's disease. In this study, we investigated whether elevation of N/OFQ expression in 6-hydroxydopamine-hemilesioned rats selectively occurs in substantia nigra and whether hypomotility following acute haloperidol administration is accompanied by a rise in nigral N/OFQ levels. Moreover, to prove a link between N/OFQ and idiopathic Parkinson's disease in humans, we measured N/OFQ levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of parkinsonian patients undergoing surgery for deep brain stimulation. In situ hybridization demonstrated that dopamine depletion was associated with increase of N/OFQ expression in substantia nigra (compacta +160%, reticulata +105%) and subthalamic nucleus (+45%), as well as reduction in caudate putamen (-20%). No change was observed in globus pallidus, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, and motor cortex. Microdialysis coupled to the bar test allowed to demonstrate that acute administration of haloperidol (0.8 and 3 mg/kg) increased nigral N/OFQ levels (maximally of +47% and +53%, respectively) in parallel with akinesia. A correlation with preclinical studies was found by analyzing N/OFQ levels in humans. Indeed, N/OFQ levels were found to be approximately 3.5-fold elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of parkinsonian patients (148 fmol/ml) compared with nonparkinsonian neurologic controls (41 fmol/ml). These data represent the first clinical evidence linking N/OFQ to idiopathic Parkinson's disease in humans. They strengthen the pathogenic role of N/OFQ in the modulation of parkinsonism across species and provide a rationale for developing N/OFQ receptor antagonists as antiparkinsonian drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Marti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Galvez-Llompart M, M. Giner R, C. Recio M, Candeletti S, Garcia-Domenech R. Application of Molecular Topology to the Search of Novel NSAIDs: Experimental Validation of Activity. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2010. [DOI: 10.2174/157018010791306597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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D'Agostino B, Orlotti D, Calò G, Sullo N, Russo M, Guerrini R, De Nardo M, Mazzeo F, Candeletti S, Rossi F. Nociceptin modulates bronchoconstriction induced by sensory nerve activation in mouse lung. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2010; 42:250-4. [PMID: 19448152 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2008-0488oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), the endogenous ligand for the N/OFQ peptide receptor (NOP), inhibits tachykinin release in the airway of several animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in bronchoconstriction induced by sensory nerve activation in the isolated mouse lung. We used C57BL/6J NOP(+/+), NOP(-/-), and Balb/C mice sensitized (or not) to ovalbumin. Bronchopulmonary function coupled with measurements of endogenous N/OFQ levels before and after capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction in the presence or absence of NOP-selective agonists/antagonists are presented. N/OFQ significantly inhibited capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction in both naive and sensitized mice, these latter animals displaying airway hyperresponsiveness to capsaicin. The inhibitory effect of N/OFQ were not observed in NOP(-/-) mice, and were mimicked/abolished by the selective NOP agonist/antagonist University of Ferrara Peptide (UFP)-112/UFP-101 in NOP(+/+) mice. UFP-101 alone potentiated the effect of capsaicin in naive mice, but not in sensitized mice. Endogenous N/OFQ levels significantly decreased in sensitized mice relative to naive mice. We have demonstrated that a reduction in endogenous N/OFQ, or the lack of its receptor, causes an increase in capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction, implying a role for the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in the modulation of capsaicin effects. Moreover, for the first time, we document differential airway responsiveness to capsaicin between naive and sensitized mice due, at least in part, to decreased endogenous N/OFQ levels in sensitized mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno D'Agostino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, sect. of Pharmacology "L.Donatelli", Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Second University of Naples, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy.
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Di Benedetto M, Cavina C, D’Addario C, Leoni G, Candeletti S, Cox BM, Romualdi P. Alterations of N/OFQ and NOP receptor gene expression in the substantia nigra and caudate putamen of MPP+ and 6-OHDA lesioned rats. Neuropharmacology 2009; 56:761-7. [PMID: 19162046 PMCID: PMC2680584 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2008] [Revised: 11/07/2008] [Accepted: 12/18/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that the opioid-like neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ(N/OFQ) and its receptor (NOPr) may contribute to Parkinson's disease. Based on this idea, the aim of our study was to investigate the involvement of the N/OFQ-NOPr system in an animal model of Parkinson's disease and to evaluate if this neuropeptidergic system is acting through mechanisms involving glutamate and/or GABA. We injected the neurotoxins MPP+ or 6-OHDA into the cerebral ventricles and 10 days later measured N/OFQ and NOPr gene expression in caudate putamen (CP) and substantia nigra (SN), by RT-PCR. A large reduction in N/OFQ and NOPr mRNAs was observed in the CP of rat treated with either MPP+ or 6-OHDA, MPP+ being more effective than 6-OHDA. Both the neurotoxins induced an increase in N/OFQ gene expression in the SN, but only MPP+ evoked a significant down-regulation of NOPr in this area, showing a slight trend of reduction in 6-OHDA treated rats. Moreover, a reduction in the levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65/67), an enzyme that converts the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate to the inhibitory neurotransmitter y-aminobutyric acid (GABA), was also observed in the SN following 6-OHDA. These data suggest that DA modulates N/OFQ-NOPr system gene expression in SN and CP, strengthening the hypothesis that this neuropeptidergic system could be implicated in the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease. Our data might also suggest that the GABAergic system plays a role in the regulation of nigral function, although further studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis. In agreement with previous studies, we also support the hypothesis of a potential value for NOP receptor antagonists to attenuate symptoms related to the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Di Benedetto
- Department of Pharmacology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavina
- Department of Pharmacology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio D’Addario
- Department of Pharmacology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Leoni
- Department of Pharmacology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Brian M. Cox
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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