Exploring the antinociceptive and antidepressant potential of 3,3-dibromoflavanone: a novel therapeutic candidate for pain management with improved safety profile over morphine

JOSEFINA HIGGS; MARIEL MARDER; COLETTIS, NATALIA; VALENTINA PASTORE; CRISTINA WASOWSKI

Mar del Plata

Congreso; Reunion Anual de Sociedades de Biociencias; 2023

SAIC. SAB. AAFE. AACYTAL

In the search for lead compounds with reduced side effects compared to opioids, the synthetic phytochemical 3,3-dibromoflavanone (3,3-DBF) emerged as a promising pain management candidate. 3,3-DBF displayed dose-dependent antinociceptive activity mediated by the µ-opioid receptor in central and peripheral pathways. Unlike morphine (MOR), chronic 3,3-DBF administration demonstrated antinociceptive effects without inducing tolerance, impacting locomotor activity, motor coordination, or causing constipation. This study aimed to explore 3,3-DBF effects in mice, focusing on dependence and depression, a typical pain comorbidity.The dependence effect was examined in mice divided into three group treatments, receiving 3,3-DBF, MOR, or vehicle twice daily for three consecutive days, with doses doubling daily to reach 60 mg/kg (MOR) and 100 mg/kg (3,3-DBF). On day four, half of each group treatment received either naltrexone (1 mg/kg), to induce withdrawal syndrome, or saline as a control. Withdrawal signs induced by 3,3-DBF were assessed using the Gellert-Holtzman scale. Two-way ANOVA followed by Dunnet indicated 3,3-DBF didn´t elicit withdrawal signs (P>0.05) comparable to MOR (P