Exploring the Molecular Targets for the Antidepressant and Antisuicidal Effects of Ketamine Enantiomers by Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Pharmaceuticals July 17, 2023 Glorister A. Altê, Ana Lúcia S. Rodrigues 17 citations
Ketamine, a mixture of esketamine and arketamine, is known for rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects. While NMDA receptor inhibition is a key mechanism, other targets may contribute. Using computational tools, this study predicted molecular targets for each enantiomer and analyzed them with gene and network databases. Esketamine and arketamine share some targets, including NMDA receptor and phosphodiesterases 3A, 7A, and 5A, but have distinct ones: esketamine may interact with the GABAergic system, arketamine with macrophage migration inhibitory factor. Both activate neuroplasticity pathways and show addiction potential. The findings identify novel, underexplored targets possibly linked to their therapeutic effects against depression and suicide.