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International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Until a few years ago, preventive migraine treatments were based on molecules... (Review)
Review
Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Until a few years ago, preventive migraine treatments were based on molecules with pleiotropic targets, developed for other indications, and discovered by serendipity to be effective in migraine prevention, although often burdened by tolerability issues leading to low adherence. However, the progresses in unravelling the migraine pathophysiology allowed identifying novel putative targets as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Nevertheless, despite the revolution brought by CGRP monoclonal antibodies and gepants, a significant percentage of patients still remains burdened by an unsatisfactory response, suggesting that other pathways may play a critical role, with an extent of involvement varying among different migraine patients. Specifically, neuropeptides of the CGRP family, such as adrenomedullin and amylin; molecules of the secretin family, such as pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP); receptors, such as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels; intracellular downstream determinants, such as potassium channels, but also the opioid system and the purinergic pathway, have been suggested to be involved in migraine pathophysiology. The present review provides an overview of these pathways, highlighting, based on preclinical and clinical evidence, as well as provocative studies, their potential role as future targets for migraine preventive treatment.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Migraine Disorders; Signal Transduction; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; Potassium Channels; Analgesics, Opioid
PubMed: 37569648
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512268 -
Ageing Research Reviews Aug 2023Therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders have commonly targeted individual aspects of the disease pathogenesis to little success. Neurodegenerative... (Review)
Review
Therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders have commonly targeted individual aspects of the disease pathogenesis to little success. Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), are characterized by several pathological features. In AD and PD, there is an abnormal accumulation of toxic proteins, increased inflammation, decreased synaptic function, neuronal loss, increased astrocyte activation, and perhaps a state of insulin resistance. Epidemiological evidence has revealed a link between AD/PD and type 2 diabetes mellitus, with these disorders sharing some pathological commonalities. Such a link has opened up a promising avenue for repurposing antidiabetic agents in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. A successful therapeutic strategy for AD/PD would likely require a single or several agents which target the separate pathological processes in the disease. Targeting cerebral insulin signalling produces numerous neuroprotective effects in preclinical AD/PD brain models. Clinical trials have shown the promise of approved diabetic compounds in improving motor symptoms of PD and preventing neurodegenerative decline, with numerous further phase II trials and phase III trials underway in AD and PD populations. Alongside insulin signalling, targeting incretin receptors in the brain represents one of the most promising strategies for repurposing currently available agents for the treatment of AD/PD. Most notably, glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have displayed impressive clinical potential in preclinical and early clinical studies. In AD the GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide, has been demonstrated to improve cerebral glucose metabolism and functional connectivity in small-scale pilot trials. Whilst in PD, the GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide is effective in restoring motor function and cognition. Targeting brain incretin receptors reduces inflammation, inhibits apoptosis, prevents toxic protein aggregation, enhances long-term potentiation and autophagy as well as restores dysfunctional insulin signalling. Support is also increasing for the use of additional approved diabetic treatments, including intranasal insulin, metformin hydrochloride, peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear receptor γ agonists, amylin analogs, and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors which are in the investigation for deployment in PD and AD treatment. As such, we provide a comprehensive review of several promising anti-diabetic agents for the treatment of AD and PD.
Topics: Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Parkinson Disease; Incretins; Alzheimer Disease; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Insulin; Inflammation; Neuroprotective Agents
PubMed: 37328112
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101979 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Jun 2023Migraine is a disabling and chronic neurovascular headache disorder. Trigeminal vascular activation and release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) play a pivotal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Migraine is a disabling and chronic neurovascular headache disorder. Trigeminal vascular activation and release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of migraine. This knowledge has led to the development of CGRP(-receptor) therapies. Yet, a substantial proportion of patients do not respond to these treatments. Therefore, alternative targets for future therapies are warranted. The current narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological role of these possible non-CGRP targets in migraine.
FINDINGS
We covered targets of the metabotropic receptors (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), amylin, and adrenomedullin), intracellular targets (nitric oxide (NO), phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE3) and -5 (PDE5)), and ion channels (potassium, calcium, transient receptor potential (TRP), and acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC)). The majority of non-CGRP targets were able to induce migraine-like attacks, except for (i) calcium channels, as it is not yet possible to directly target channels to elucidate their precise involvement in migraine; (ii) TRP channels, activation of which can induce non-migraine headache; and (iii) ASICs, as their potential in inducing migraine attacks has not been investigated thus far. Drugs that target its receptors exist for PACAP, NO, and the potassium, TRP, and ASIC channels. No selective drugs exist for the other targets, however, some existing (migraine) treatments appear to indirectly antagonize responses to amylin, adrenomedullin, and calcium channels. Drugs against PACAP, NO, potassium channels, TRP channels, and only a PAC antibody have been tested for migraine treatment, albeit with ambiguous results.
CONCLUSION
While current research on these non-CGRP drug targets has not yet led to the development of efficacious therapies, human provocation studies using these targets have provided valuable insight into underlying mechanisms of migraine headaches and auras. Further studies are needed on these alternative therapies in non-responders of CGRP(-receptor) targeted therapies with the ultimate aim to pave the way towards a headache-free future for all migraine patients.
Topics: Humans; Adrenomedullin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Headache Disorders; Islet Amyloid Polypeptide; Migraine Disorders; Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; Receptors, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
PubMed: 37370051
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01567-4 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Sep 2023Targeting CGRP has proved to be efficacious, tolerable, and safe to treat migraine; however, many patients with migraine do not benefit from drugs that antagonize the... (Review)
Review
Targeting CGRP has proved to be efficacious, tolerable, and safe to treat migraine; however, many patients with migraine do not benefit from drugs that antagonize the CGRPergic system. Therefore, this review focuses on summarizing the general pharmacology of the different types of treatments currently available, which target directly or indirectly the CGRP receptor or its ligand. Moreover, the latest evidence regarding the selectivity and site of action of CGRP small molecule antagonists (gepants) and monoclonal antibodies is critically discussed. Finally, the reasons behind non-responders to anti-CGRP drugs and rationale for combining and/or switching between these therapies are addressed.
Topics: Humans; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists; Migraine Disorders; Receptors, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 37691118
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01644-8 -
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Nov 2023Liver fibrosis is a leading indicator for increased mortality and long-term comorbidity in NASH. Activation of HSCs and excessive extracellular matrix production are the...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Liver fibrosis is a leading indicator for increased mortality and long-term comorbidity in NASH. Activation of HSCs and excessive extracellular matrix production are the hallmarks of liver fibrogenesis. Tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkB) is a multifunctional receptor that participates in neurodegenerative disorders. However, paucity of literature is available about TrkB function in liver fibrosis. Herein, the regulatory network and therapeutic potential of TrkB were explored in the progression of hepatic fibrosis.
METHODS AND RESULTS
The protein level of TrkB was decreased in mouse models of CDAHFD feeding or carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis. TrkB suppressed TGF-β-stimulated proliferation and activation of HSCs in 3-dimensional liver spheroids and significantly repressed TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway either in HSCs or in hepatocytes. The cytokine, TGF-β, boosted Nedd4 family interacting protein-1 (Ndfip1) expression, promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of TrkB through E3 ligase Nedd4-2. Moreover, carbon tetrachloride intoxication-induced hepatic fibrosis in mouse models was reduced by adeno-associated virus vector serotype 6 (AAV6)-mediated TrkB overexpression in HSCs. In addition, in murine models of CDAHFD feeding and Gubra-Amylin NASH (GAN), fibrogenesis was reduced by adeno-associated virus vector serotype 8 (AAV8)-mediated TrkB overexpression in hepatocytes.
CONCLUSION
TGF-β stimulated TrkB degradation through E3 ligase Nedd4-2 in HSCs. TrkB overexpression inhibited the activation of TGF-β/SMAD signaling and alleviated the hepatic fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo . These findings demonstrate that TrkB could be a significant suppressor of hepatic fibrosis and confer a potential therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Carbon Tetrachloride; Hepatic Stellate Cells; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Signal Transduction; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; Smad Proteins
PubMed: 36800849
DOI: 10.1097/HEP.0000000000000319 -
Clinical Medicine (London, England) Jul 2023Obesity is a chronic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Bariatric surgery can lead to sustained long-term weight loss (WL) and improvement in... (Review)
Review
Obesity is a chronic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Bariatric surgery can lead to sustained long-term weight loss (WL) and improvement in multiple obesity-related complications, but it is not scalable at the population level. Over the past few years, gut hormone-based pharmacotherapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have rapidly evolved, and combinations of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) with other gut hormones (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, and amylin) as dual or triple agonists are under investigation to enhance and complement the effects of GLP1 on WL and obesity-related complications. Tirzepatide, a dual agonist of GLP1 and GIP receptors, marks a new era in obesity pharmacotherapy in which a combination of gut hormones could approach the WL achieved with bariatric surgery. In this review, we discuss emerging obesity treatments with a focus on gut hormone combinations and the concept of a multimodal approach for obesity management.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Gastrointestinal Hormones; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Obesity; Bariatric Surgery; Weight Loss
PubMed: 37524416
DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2023-0144 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as important drug targets for various chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Obesity is a complex chronic... (Review)
Review
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as important drug targets for various chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Obesity is a complex chronic disease that requires long term management predisposing to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. The therapeutic landscape for GPCR as targets of anti-obesity medications has undergone significant changes with the approval of semaglutide, the first peptide glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) achieving double digit weight loss (≥10%) and cardiovascular benefits. The enhanced weight loss, with the expected beneficial effect on obesity-related complications and reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), has propelled the commercial opportunity for the obesity market leading to new players entering the space. Significant progress has been made on approaches targeting GPCRs such as single peptides that simultaneously activate GIP and/or GCGR in addition to GLP1, oral tablet formulation of GLP-1, small molecules nonpeptidic oral GLP1R and fixed-dose combination as well as add-on therapy for patients already treated with a GLP-1 agonist.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Obesity; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Peptides; Weight Loss; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
PubMed: 38161982
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1301017 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Diabetes mellitus is a devastating chronic metabolic disease. Since the majority of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients are overweight or obese, a novel term-diabesity-has... (Review)
Review
Diabetes mellitus is a devastating chronic metabolic disease. Since the majority of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients are overweight or obese, a novel term-diabesity-has emerged. The gut-brain axis plays a critical function in maintaining glucose and energy homeostasis and involves a variety of peptides. Amylin is a neuroendocrine anorexigenic polypeptide hormone, which is co-secreted with insulin from β-cells of the pancreas in response to food consumption. Aside from its effect on glucose homeostasis, amylin inhibits homeostatic and hedonic feeding, induces satiety, and decreases body weight. In this narrative review, we summarized the current evidence and ongoing studies on the mechanism of action, clinical pharmacology, and applications of amylin and its analogs, pramlintide and cagrilintide, in the field of diabetology, endocrinology, and metabolism disorders, such as obesity.
Topics: Humans; Islet Amyloid Polypeptide; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Obesity; Glucose; Amyloid
PubMed: 38338796
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031517 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023High-fat diet (HFD) is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes risk, which share features such as insulin resistance and amylin deposition. We...
High-fat diet (HFD) is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes risk, which share features such as insulin resistance and amylin deposition. We examined gene expression associated with astrocytes and microglia since dysfunction of these cell types is implicated in AD pathogenesis. We hypothesize gene expression changes in disease-associated astrocytes (DAA), disease-associated microglia and human Alzheimer's microglia exist in diabetic and obese individuals before AD development. By analyzing bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data generated from brains of mice fed HFD and humans with AD, 11 overlapping AD-associated differentially expressed genes were identified, including Kcnj2, C4b and Ddr1, which are upregulated in response to both HFD and AD. Analysis of single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data indicated C4b is astrocyte specific. Spatial transcriptomics (ST) revealed C4b colocalizes with Gfad, a known astrocyte marker, and the colocalization of C4b expressing cells with Gad2 expressing cells, i.e., GABAergic neurons, in mouse brain. There also exists a positive correlation between C4b and Gad2 expression in ST indicating a potential interaction between DAA and GABAergic neurons. These findings provide novel links between the pathogenesis of obesity, diabetes and AD and identify C4b as a potential early marker for AD in obese or diabetic individuals.
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; Astrocytes; Diet, High-Fat; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Microglia; Alzheimer Disease
PubMed: 37558676
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39890-0 -
Current Heart Failure Reports Feb 2024Obesity is a major driver of heart failure (HF) incidence, and aggravates its pathophysiology. We summarized key reported and ongoing randomized clinical trials of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Obesity is a major driver of heart failure (HF) incidence, and aggravates its pathophysiology. We summarized key reported and ongoing randomized clinical trials of appetite regulation and/or dietary energy restriction in individuals with HF.
RECENT FINDINGS
Weight loss can be achieved by structured supervised diet programs with behavioural change, medications, or surgery. The new glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists alone or in combination with other agents (e.g., glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon receptor agonists or amylin analogues) potently and sustainably reduce appetite, and, taken together with dietary advice, can produce substantial, life-changing, weight loss approaching that achieved by surgery. To date, data from the STEP-HFpEF trial show meaningful improvements in health status (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire). Effective weight management could relieve several drivers of HF, to complement the existing treatments for HF with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction. Further trials of weight loss interventions will provide more definitive evidence to understand their effects on clinical events in patients with HF.
Topics: Humans; Heart Failure; Appetite; Stroke Volume; Health Status; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38133864
DOI: 10.1007/s11897-023-00637-7