Abstract
Management of acute and chronic pain has always been a key area of clinical research. Enkephalinase inhibitors (EIs) seem to be promising as therapeutic agents having antinociceptive action. They additionally possess anticraving, antidiarrhoeal and antidepressant actions. The antinociceptive action of EIs has been reported for over a decade however, their therapeutic potential is yet to be effectively explored. EIs may be broadly classified as endogenous and those that are obtained synthetically. Endogenous EIs include peptides like spinorphin and opiorphin. And compounds like RB 101, RB 120, RB 3007 constitute the synthetically obtained EIs. Endogenous and synthetic inhibitors enkephalin degrading enzymes have been studied in vivo using standard animal models. The potential EI targets appear to be APN (Aminopeptidase N), NEP (Neutral endopeptidase), DPP-III (Dipeptidyl peptidase). EIs possess the advantage that they lack the opioid side effects. This article reviews the mechanisms by which EIs act and elucidates the pathways involved.
Keywords: Enkephalinase inhibitors, antinociception, pain
Current Drug Targets
Title: Enkephalinase Inhibitors: Potential Agents for the Management of Pain
Volume: 9 Issue: 10
Author(s): V. Thanawala, V. J. Kadam and R. Ghosh
Affiliation:
Keywords: Enkephalinase inhibitors, antinociception, pain
Abstract: Management of acute and chronic pain has always been a key area of clinical research. Enkephalinase inhibitors (EIs) seem to be promising as therapeutic agents having antinociceptive action. They additionally possess anticraving, antidiarrhoeal and antidepressant actions. The antinociceptive action of EIs has been reported for over a decade however, their therapeutic potential is yet to be effectively explored. EIs may be broadly classified as endogenous and those that are obtained synthetically. Endogenous EIs include peptides like spinorphin and opiorphin. And compounds like RB 101, RB 120, RB 3007 constitute the synthetically obtained EIs. Endogenous and synthetic inhibitors enkephalin degrading enzymes have been studied in vivo using standard animal models. The potential EI targets appear to be APN (Aminopeptidase N), NEP (Neutral endopeptidase), DPP-III (Dipeptidyl peptidase). EIs possess the advantage that they lack the opioid side effects. This article reviews the mechanisms by which EIs act and elucidates the pathways involved.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Thanawala V., Kadam J. V. and Ghosh R., Enkephalinase Inhibitors: Potential Agents for the Management of Pain, Current Drug Targets 2008; 9 (10) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138945008785909356
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138945008785909356 |
Print ISSN 1389-4501 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-5592 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
New drug therapy for eye diseases
Eyesight is one of the most critical senses, accounting for over 80% of our perceptions. Our quality of life might be significantly affected by eye disease, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, etc. Although the development of microinvasive ocular surgery reduces surgical complications and improves overall outcomes, medication therapy is ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Editorial (Thematic Issue: New Horizon in the Treatment of Hypertension - Role for Ca Channel Blockers - Why do Ca Channel Blockers be Focused on?)
Current Hypertension Reviews Role of Microglia in the Pathogenesis of Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Target Diabetes via Chromatin Remodeling or as Chemical Chaperones?
Current Diabetes Reviews Endogenous Factors in the Recovery of Reproductive Function After Testicular Injury and Cancer
Current Molecular Medicine A Journey into the World of Targeted Therapy: A Review of Gene Therapy, Stem Cell Therapy, and Cell Reprogramming in Cardiovascular Medicine
Recent Patents on Regenerative Medicine Mechanisms of Action of Hypertonic Saline Resuscitation in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Cardioprotective Effect of Resveratrol and Resveratroloside
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry The Prospect of Stem Cells as Multi-Faceted Purveyors of Immune Modulation, Repair and Regeneration in Multiple Sclerosis
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Electrocardiographic and Cardiac Autonomic Indices - Implications of Sex-Specific Risk Stratification in Women After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Current Pharmaceutical Design Biological Relevance of Lysophospholipids and Green Solutions for Their Synthesis
Current Organic Chemistry Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate Improves Adverse Ventricular Remodeling Post-MI by Reducing Myocardial Necrosis, Modulating Inflammation, and Promoting Angiogenesis
Current Pharmaceutical Design Atrial Remodeling and Novel Pharmacological Strategies for Antiarrhythmic Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation
Current Medicinal Chemistry An Update on Clinical and Pharmacological Aspects of Drug-Eluting Stents
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets NAD Metabolism and Functions: A Common Therapeutic Target for Neoplastic, Metabolic and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Lipid-Lowering Therapies for Atherosclerosis: Statins, Fibrates, Ezetimibe and PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibodies
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Development of Cannabinoid CBII Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Central Neuropathies
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Atrial Fibrillation: The Emerging Role of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Acute Right Ventricular Failure in the Setting of Acute Pulmonary Embolism or Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Detailed Review of the Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management
Current Cardiology Reviews Brain Angiotensin and Cardiovascular Reactivity to Negative and Positive Emotional Stress
Current Hypertension Reviews Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury: Studies Using Transgenic and Knockout Mice
Current Genomics