Exploring the Function of (+)-Naltrexone Precursors: Their Activity as TLR4 Antagonists and Potential in Treating Morphine Addiction

J Med Chem. 2024 Feb 22;67(4):3127-3143. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02316. Epub 2024 Feb 2.

Abstract

Disruptions in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway are linked to chronic inflammation, neuropathic pain, and drug addiction. (+)-Naltrexone, an opioid-derived TLR4 antagonist with a (+)-isomer configuration, does not interact with classical opioid receptors and has moderate blood-brain barrier permeability. Herein, we developed a concise 10-step synthesis for (+)-naltrexone and explored its precursors, (+)-14-hydroxycodeinone (1) and (+)-14-hydroxymorphinone (3). These precursors exhibited TLR4 antagonistic activities 100 times stronger than (+)-naltrexone, particularly inhibiting the TLR4-TRIF pathway. In vivo studies showed that these precursors effectively reduced behavioral effects of morphine, like sensitization and conditioned place preference by suppressing microglial activation and TNF-α expression in the medial prefrontal cortex and ventral tegmental area. Additionally, 3 displayed a longer half-life and higher oral bioavailability than 1. Overall, this research optimized (+)-naltrexone synthesis and identified its precursors as potent TLR4 antagonists, offering potential treatments for morphine addiction.

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Morphine / pharmacology
  • Morphine Dependence* / drug therapy
  • Naltrexone* / pharmacology
  • Narcotic Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4

Substances

  • Naltrexone
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Morphine
  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • TLR4 protein, human