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Pharmacology

Drug action and effects on biological systems, including molecular pharmacology, neuropharmacology, cardiovascular pharmacology, drug-receptor interactions, and adverse drug reactions

11 papers

Papers

Targeting prostaglandin E2 receptor 2 in Schwann cells inhibits inflammatory pain but not inflammation

This mouse study identifies that selectively blocking the EP2 receptor in Schwann cells can alleviate inflammatory pain without reducing inflammation, offering a potential new strategy to treat pain without the side effects of traditional anti-inflammatory drugs. Researchers used genetic silencing and pharmacological antagonists in mice to demonstrate this uncoupling of pain and inflammation, suggesting a novel pathway mediated by cAMP nanodomains in these glial cells.

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Pharmacology Sep 27, 05:31 PM

Gαq signaling in primary sensory neurons shifts opioid analgesia to NMDA receptor-driven tolerance and hyperalgesia

This study, conducted in rats and mice, found that the Gαq protein in sensory neurons plays a key role in opioid-induced hyperalgesia (increased pain sensitivity) and tolerance. Inhibiting or removing Gαq enhanced opioid pain relief and decreased these negative side effects, suggesting a potential new strategy for improving opioid-based pain management.

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Pharmacology Sep 06, 04:27 AM

The effect of commonly used non-antibiotic medications on antimicrobial resistance development in Escherichia coli

This in vitro study found that common non-antibiotic medications (NAMs) like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can increase ciprofloxacin resistance in E. coli, possibly by boosting mutations and overexpressing efflux pumps. Combinations of two NAMs further increased resistance. While done in bacterial cultures, this raises concerns about polypharmacy and warrants further research in more complex models.

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Pharmacology Sep 02, 12:48 PM

Bidirectional Effect of Long-Term Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Treatment on mTOR Activity and Metabolome

This study in mice found that long-term, low-dose THC treatment had distinct effects on brain and body metabolisms. In the brain, it initially increased mTOR activity and energy production, seemingly promoting synapse formation. Subsequently, it reduced mTOR activity and metabolic processes in adipose tissue, similar to the effects seen in calorie restriction. These findings suggest potential cognitive and anti-aging benefits of THC, but more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

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Pharmacology Aug 26, 12:47 AM

Upcoming drug targets for kidney protective effects in chronic kidney disease

This review examines several new drug targets for chronic kidney disease, including GLP1 receptor agonists, aldosterone synthase inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, soluble guanylate cyclase activators, and anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications show potential for reducing kidney disease progression by addressing various pathways involved in kidney damage, including metabolic, hemodynamic, and inflammatory processes. Further research, including large-scale clinical trials, is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in diverse CKD populations.

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Pharmacology Aug 22, 02:02 PM

Inhibition of efflux pumps by FDA-approved drugs oxiconazole and sertaconazole restores antibiotic susceptibility in multidrug-resistant S. aureus

This study found that sertaconazole and oxiconazole, two FDA-approved antifungal drugs, can boost the effectiveness of certain antibiotics against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by inhibiting efflux pumps, which bacteria use to remove antibiotics from their cells. The research was conducted in vitro and using a mouse skin infection model. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans and explore broader applicability.

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Pharmacology Aug 18, 08:42 PM

Bidirectional Effect of Long-Term Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Treatment on mTOR Activity and Metabolome

This study in mice found that chronic low-dose THC treatment led to a temporary increase in brain mTOR activity, enhanced energy production, and increased synapse formation, followed by decreased mTOR activity in adipose tissue and changes in the plasma metabolome resembling some aspects of calorie restriction. Whether these effects translate to humans or persist long-term remains unclear.

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Pharmacology Aug 04, 07:36 AM

Imidazole propionate is a driver and therapeutic target in atherosclerosis

This study found that imidazole propionate (ImP), a metabolite produced by gut microorganisms, is associated with atherosclerosis in mice and humans. While the human data is correlational and derived from cohorts of limited diversity (Spanish and Swedish populations), experiments in mouse models suggest a causal role for ImP in driving atherosclerosis, particularly through activation of the immune response and the mTOR pathway in myeloid cells. Blocking ImP's interaction with the I1R receptor in mice prevented atherosclerosis development.

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Pharmacology Jul 20, 06:38 AM