Antidepressant-like effects of Xiaochaihutang in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress

Pharmacokinetic interactions of herbal medicines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis

Chronic liver disease is a serious global health problem, and an increasing number of patients are seeking alternative medicines or complementary treatment. Herbal medicines account for 16.8% of patients with chronic liver disease who use complementary and alternative therapies. A survey of the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan reported that Long-Dan-Xie-Gan-Tang, Jia-Wei-Xia-Yao-San, and Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang (Sho-saiko-to) were the most frequent formula prescriptions for chronic hepatitis used by traditional Chinese medicine physicians. Bioanalytical methods of herbal medicines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis were developed to investigate pharmacokinetics properties, but multicomponent herbal formulas have been seldom discussed. The pharmacokinetics of herbal formulas is closely related to efficacy, efficiency, and patient safety of traditional herbal medicines. Potential herbal formula–drug interactions are another essential issue during herbal formula administration in chronic hepatitis patients. In a survey with the PubMed database, this review article evaluates the existing evidence-based data associated with the documented pharmacokinetics profiles and potential herbal–drug interactions of herbal formulas for the treatment of chronic hepatitis. In addition, the existing pharmacokinetic profiles were further linked with clinical practice to provide insight for the safety and specific use of traditional herbal medicines.

Antidepressant-Like Effect of Lipid Extract of Channa striatus in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model of Depression in Rats

This study evaluated the antidepressant-like effect of lipid extract of C. striatus in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression in male rats and its mechanism of action. The animals were subjected to CUMS for six weeks by using variety of stressors. At the end of CUMS protocol, animals were subjected to forced swimming test (FST) and open field test followed by biochemical assay. The CUMS protocol produced depressive-like behavior in rats by decreasing the body weight, decreasing the sucrose preference, and increasing the duration of immobility in FST. The CUMS protocol increased plasma corticosterone and decreased hippocampal and prefrontal cortex levels of monoamines (serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Further, the CUMS protocol increased interleukin-6 (in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) and nuclear factor-kappa B (in prefrontal cortex but not in hippocampus). The lipid extract of C. striatus (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reversed all the above parameters in rats subjected to CUMS, thus exhibiting antidepressant-like effect. The mechanism was found to be mediated through decrease in plasma corticosterone, increase in serotonin levels in prefrontal cortex, increase in dopamine and noradrenaline levels in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, increase in BDNF in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and decrease in IL-6 and NF-κB in prefrontal cortex.

The Effects of High-fat-diet Combined with Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress on Depression-like Behavior and Leptin/LepRb in Male Rats

Leptin plays a key role in the pathogenesis of obesity and depression via the long form of leptin receptor (LepRb). An animal model of comorbid obesity and depression induced by high-fat diet (HFD) combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was developed to study the relationship between depression/anxiety-like behavior, levels of plasma leptin and LepRb in the brains between four groups of rats, the combined obesity and CUMS (Co) group, the obese (Ob) group, the CUMS group and controls. Our results revealed that the Co group exhibited most severe depression-like behavior in the open field test (OFT), anxiety-like behavior in elevated plus maze test (EMT) and cognitive impairment in the Morris water maze (MWM). The Ob group had the highest weight and plasma leptin levels while the Co group had the lowest levels of protein of LepRb in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. Furthermore, depressive and anxiety-like behaviors as well as cognitive impairment were positively correlated with levels of LepRb protein and mRNA in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. The down-regulation of leptin/LepRb signaling might be associated with depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment in obese rats facing chronic mild stress.

Neurological mechanism of Xiaochaihutang's antidepressant-like effects to socially isolated adult rats

Objectives

Xiaochaihutang (XCHT) has antidepressant effects in multiple animal models of depression in our previous studies. But the antidepressant effects and exact mechanisms of XCHT in a rat model of chronic social isolation stress (CSIS) have never been studied. We therefore aimed to investigate the effects of XCHT on depressive/anxiety-related behaviours of CSIS-exposed rats and understand the neurological mechanism involving neurogenesis.

Methods

We established the CSIS model and then investigated the effects of XCHT on behavioural change. HPLC-MS/MS was adopted to quantify neurotransmitter levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Immunofluorescence technology was used to study the effects of XCHT on neurogenesis; while expressions of 5-HT1A receptor signalling pathway in the hippocampus were measured using Western blotting.

Key Findings

Xiaochaihutang significantly alleviated depressive/anxiety-like behaviours of CSIS-exposed rats. XCHT significantly regulated levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the CSF without affecting Glu, GABA and ACh. XCHT also significantly increased neurogenesis in CSIS-exposed rats. Additionally, XCHT reversed CSIS-induced decrease of 5-HT1A receptor expression and promoted the expression of BDNF in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that XCHT could significantly regulate the depressive/anxiety-like behaviours induced by CSIS, which are likely attributed to the promotion of hippocampal neurogenesis and neurotrophin expressions through the activation of serotonergic system.

Antidepressant-like effects of water extract of Gastrodia elata Blume in rats exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress via modulation of monoamine regulatory pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) is a traditional herbal medicine belonging to the Orchidaceae family, and has been used to manage neurological disorders for centuries. We have previously reported that its water extract (WGE) could improve the depressive-like behaviours in the forced swimming test (FST), an animal model of depression.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the antidepressant-like effects of WGE in rats exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model, and to explore its possible molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UCMS rats were orally administered with WGE (0.5g/kg body weight) daily within the 4 weeks UCMS procedure. The sucrose preference test and the open field test were conducted to assess anhedonia and spontaneous behaviours, respectively. The cerebral turnover rates of monoamine neurotransmitters and the serum corticosterone levels were measured. In vitro direct and indirect monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibitory assays were employed to assess the possible antidepressant-like mechanisms of WGE (0.5mg/mL) and its major component, gastrodin (GAS, 15, 30 and 60μg/mL). Western blot was used to examine the expression of protein related to monoamine regulation, such as MAO-A and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH).

RESULTS

WGE significantly reversed the sucrose preference and other abnormal behaviours induced by 4 weeks of UCMS. WGE significantly restored the cerebral turnover rates of serotonin and dopamine and decreased serum corticosterone levels. WGE and gastrodin inhibited the activity and protein expression of MAO-A, and increased TH levels in PC12 cells.

CONCLUSION

The antidepressant-like effects of WGE and gastrodin might be mediated by the regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, and therefore were beneficial in depression treatment as a complementary approach.

Metabolic profiling of Shu-Yu capsule in rat serum based on metabolic fingerprinting analysis using HPLC-ESI-MSn

The Chinese herbal formula, Shu-Yu capsule (SYC), has been successfully used to treat depression-like disorders in clinical settings. To rapidly identify the chemical constituents of SYC and its metabolites in rat serum, a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was established in the present study. By comparing the retention times, MS and MSn spectra data in the literature and reference standards, a total of 73 compounds were identified from SYC. In rat serum, 62 components, including 13 prototype compounds and 49 metabolites were identified. Of these components, 14 metabolites were confirmed as novel metabolites of SYC. The results of the present study indicated that certain flavonoid glycosides and monoterpene glycosides were absorbed directly. Glucuronidation and sulfation were identified as the predominant metabolic pathways of the components in SYC. In addition, certain phase I reactions, including hydrolysis, demethylation and hydroxylation occurred in the rats. These results provide scientific evidence, which support further investigations of the pharmacology and mechanism of SYC.

Characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Taiwan: A nationwide population-based study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Large-scale study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) usage among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the TCM usage among RA patients in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined the "registry for catastrophic illness patient dataset" of the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD; n=23 million people) in Taiwan. Patients (n=25,263) newly diagnosed as RA in 2001-2009 were included and then followed-up until the end of 2011. Based on the medical utilization, they were further categorized into TCM users (n= 6891; 27.3%) and non-TCM users (n=18,372; 72.7%). The demographic data and core prescription patterns of the TCM users were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared to non-TCM user, TCM users were younger (mean age: 49.6 versus 54.0 years), had a higher female/male ratio (82.7%/17.3% versus 74.1%/25.9%), resided in more urbanized area. Herbal remedies were the most commonly used therapeutic approach (76.4%), followed by combining acupuncture (21.1%). The frequency of outpatient visits in TCM users was higher across all disease categories except circulatory system. The most commonly prescribed formula and herb was Shang-Jong-Shiah-Tong-Yong-Tong-Feng-Wan and Rhizoma Corydalis, respectively. The analysis of core pattern revealed that Dang-Gui-Nian-Tong-Tang, Shu-Jing-Huo-Xie-Tang, Gui-Zhi-Shao-Yao-Zhi-Mu-Tang, Myrrha and Olibanum, were among the most frequently used combinations. RA patients who had anxiety and depression, allergic rhinitis, osteoporosis, menstrual disorder, and menopausal syndrome were prone to have more TCM visits compared to non-TCM users.

CONCLUSIONS

Our population-based study revealed the high prevalence and specific usage patterns of TCM in the RA patients in Taiwan. The information could be used for further pharmacological investigation and clinical trials.

Feasibility of focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion surgery combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress to simulate the post-stroke depressive state in rats

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (FCIR) surgery combined chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to simulate the post-stroke depression (PSD) state in rats.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley male rats were divided randomly into five groups: the normal, sham, FCIR, CUMS, and FCIR + CUMS (F/C) groups. Rats in the FCIR and F/C groups underwent an FCIR operation. Rats in CUMS and F/C groups were single-housed and exposed to CUMS for 4 weeks. Rats in the F/C group underwent CUMS for 4 weeks after FCIR surgery. The gain in bodyweight, the sugar consumption ratio in a sucrose preference test (SPT), and behavior, including spontaneous moves (SM), the duration of time spent in the center arena (duration), and the number of rearings (rearing) in an open field test (OFT), were evaluated.

Results

Rats in the CUMS and F/C groups had a smaller gain in bodyweight (P < 0.05). The sugar consumption ratio was reduced significantly in the CUMS and F/C groups compared with the normal and FCIR groups (P < 0.05). The number of SM was significantly lower in the FCIR group compared with the normal group. SM, duration, and rearing were reduced significantly in the CUMS and F/C groups relative to the normal group. Furthermore, the number of rearings was lower in the F/C group compared with the CUMS group.

Conclusion

Anhedonia, a lack of curiosity, and inactivity were observed in the F/C rats, which exhibited depression-like symptoms after FCIR surgery.

Modulation of neurotrophic signaling pathways by polyphenols

Polyphenols are an important class of phytochemicals, and several lines of evidence have demonstrated their beneficial effects in the context of a number of pathologies including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In this report, we review the studies on the effects of polyphenols on neuronal survival, growth, proliferation and differentiation, and the signaling pathways involved in these neurotrophic actions. Several polyphenols including flavonoids such as baicalein, daidzein, luteolin, and nobiletin as well as nonflavonoid polyphenols such as auraptene, carnosic acid, curcuminoids, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives including caffeic acid phentyl ester enhance neuronal survival and promote neurite outgrowth in vitro, a hallmark of neuronal differentiation. Assessment of underlying mechanisms, especially in PC12 neuronal-like cells, reveals that direct agonistic effect on tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) receptors, the main receptors of neurotrophic factors including nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) explains the action of few polyphenols such as 7,8-dihydroxyflavone. However, several other polyphenolic compounds activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways. Increased expression of neurotrophic factors in vitro and in vivo is the mechanism of neurotrophic action of flavonoids such as scutellarin, daidzein, genistein, and fisetin, while compounds like apigenin and ferulic acid increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation. Finally, the antioxidant activity of polyphenols reflected in the activation of Nrf2 pathway and the consequent upregulation of detoxification enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 as well as the contribution of these effects to the neurotrophic activity have also been discussed. In conclusion, a better understanding of the neurotrophic effects of polyphenols and the concomitant modulations of signaling pathways is useful for designing more effective agents for management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Analysis of main constituents and mechanisms underlying antidepressant-like effects of Xiaochaihutang in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiaochaihutang (XCHT), a famous Chinese herbal formula which consists of seven Chinese herbs, has been used clinically in depressive disorders in China. Our previous studies have demonstrated that XCHT improved depressive-like behavior in several animal models of depression. However, therapeutic basis of XCHT on depression are challenging, due to the complex active constituents of XCHT and the unclear pharmacological mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To provide further insights into therapeutic basis of XCHT, the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy was assessed by the method of orthogonal array design. The comparative evaluations on antidepressant effects of XCHT and its core in compatibility were executed by tail suspension test (TST), forced swim test (FST), novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT), reserpine-induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis. Moreover, the potential mechanism was explored by investigating levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in hypothalamus and striatum and neurogenesis in hippocampus. Chemical profile of active constituents in plasma after oral administration of the core in compatibility of XCHT was revealed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

The results of orthogonal array design experiment showed that Huangqin (Radix scutellariae), Renshen (Ginseng) and Gancao (Radix glycyrrhizae), defined as HRG, might be the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy. In accordance with XCHT, oral administration of HRG for 15 days significantly reduced immobility duration in TST and FST without affecting locomotor activity. Both HRG and XCHT increased immobility latency in FST, decreased the latency in NSFT, reversed reserpine-induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis. Moreover, both HRG and XCHT significantly increased levels of 5-HT and DA in hypothalamus. In addition, HRG could remarkably increase Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX) positive cells in hippocampus. A total 25 active constituents in plasma, including 14 prototype components and 11 metabolites, were identified by UPLC-MS/MS after oral administration of HRG.

CONCLUSION

The present results reveal that HRG is supposed to be the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy. In accordance with XCHT, HRG exerts significant antidepressant-like effects, which are likely attributed to regulating serotonergic and dopaminergic systems and increasing hippocampal neurogenesis. The constituents identified in plasma after oral administration of HRG may be the potential active ingredients for the treatment of depression.

A new cyclolignan glycoside from the tubers of Pinellia ternata

A new 2,7'-type cyclolignan glycoside, cyclolignanyingoside A (1), together with six known compounds (2-7) were isolated from the tubers of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR analyses, HR-ESI-MS, and CD spectrometry. The cytotoxic, antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting activities of all the isolates were determined. However, all the isolates exhibited no activity on the selected cell lines (Hep-3B, Bcap-37, and MCF-7). In addition, compounds 1-3 and 7 exhibited strong 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) free radical scavenging activity, and compounds 2 and 4 showed a moderate mushroom tyrsinase inhibitory activity.

Wogonin modulates hydroperoxide-induced apoptosis via PI3K/Akt pathway in retinal pigment epithelium cells

Background

Oxidative stress causes the defects of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study was conducted to determine whether wogonin could prevent H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in RPE cells.

Methods

A RPE cell line, ARPE-19, was obtained for the cell model. ARPE-19 cells were pre-treated with various concentrations of wogonin for 24 h before being exposed to H₂O₂ for 2 h to induce oxidative stress. Cell metabolic activity was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cellular apoptosis was quantified by the flow cytometry. Protein level was assed by western blot.

Results

The RPE cells exposed to to 200 mM H₂O₂ demonstrated a significant depression in the cell viability; whereas pre-treatment with 50 and 100 mmol/l wogonin could significantly improve the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The proportion of PI-positive cells was increased significantly in RPE cells treated with H₂O₂ alone; whereas pretreatment with 100 mM wogonin significantly reduced H₂O₂ -induced RPE cell death rate. In protein level, the wogonin use could reduce the level of p-Akt significantly and this is the possible mechanism of the antioxidant effect of wogonin.

Conclusions

Our study showed that wogonin pre-treatment can protect RPE cells from H₂O₂-induced apoptosis. This suggests potential effect of wogonin in the prevention of retinal diseases associated with H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress such as AMD.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/13000_2014_154