Multi-target modulation of ion channels underlying the analgesic effects of α-mangostin in dorsal root ganglion neurons

Phytomedicine. 2023 Jul:115:154791. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154791. Epub 2023 Mar 31.

Abstract

Background: α-Mangostin is a xanthone isolated from the pericarps of mangosteen fruit with, and has analgesic properties. Although the effects suggest an interaction of α-mangostin with ion channels in the nociceptive neurons, electrophysiological investigation of the underlying mechanism has not been performed.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that α-Mangostin exerts its analgesic effects by modulating the activity of various ion channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons.

Methods: We performed a whole-cell patch clamp study using mouse DRG neurons, HEK293T cells overexpressing targeted ion channels, and ND7/23 cells. Molecular docking (MD) and in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) analyses were conducted to obtain further insights into the binding sites and pharmacokinetics, respectively.

Results: Application of α-mangostin (1-3 µM) hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential (RMP) of small-sized DRG neurons by increasing background K+ conductance and thereby inhibited action potential generation. At micromolar levels, α-mangostin activates TREK-1, TREK-2, or TRAAK, members of the two-pore domain K+ channel (K2P) family known to be involved in RMP formation in DRG neurons. Furthermore, capsaicin-induced TRPV1 currents were potently inhibited by α-mangostin (0.43 ± 0.27 µM), and partly suppressed tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated Na+ channel (NaV) currents. MD simulation revealed that multiple oxygen atoms in α-mangostin may form stable hydrogen bonds with TREKs, TRAAK, TRPV1, and NaV channels. In silico ADME tests suggested that α-mangostin may satisfy the drug-likeness properties without penetrating the blood-brain barrier.

Conclusion: The analgesic properties of α-mangostin might be mediated by the multi-target modulation of ion channels, including TREK/TRAAK activation, TRPV1 inhibition, and reduction of the tetrodotoxin-sensitive NaV current. The findings suggest that the phytochemical can be a multi-ion channel-targeting drug and an alternative drug for effective pain management.

Keywords: Analgesic mechanism; Dorsal root ganglion; Nociceptor; TREK/TRAAK; TRPV1; Voltage-operated Na(+) channel; α-Mangostin.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ganglia, Spinal*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Neurons*
  • Tetrodotoxin / metabolism
  • Tetrodotoxin / pharmacology

Substances

  • mangostin
  • Tetrodotoxin