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Li J, Zhang Y, Li T, Nie B, Qi F, Chen Q, Chen T, Liu Y, Li G, Li Y. High throughput mRNA sequencing reveals potential therapeutic targets of Si-Ni-San in the pons for a stress-induced depression model. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1383624. [PMID: 39135796 PMCID: PMC11317778 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1383624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background An accumulating body of research indicates that the pons is related to the occurrence of depression. Si-Ni-San (SNS) is a well-known Chinese herbal formula that is used to treat depression. Chinese herbal formulae have multiple therapeutic characteristics. Although it has been proven that SNS can exert antidepressant effects by improving changes in the limbic system, it is currently unclear whether SNS has therapeutic targets in the pons. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic targets of SNS in the pons for depression treatment. Materials and methods Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, 32 rats were divided into four groups: (1) a Control (C) group that received distilled water as a vehicle; (2) a Model (M) group that received the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) procedure and was administered distilled water; (3) a Stress + SNS (MS) group that received the CUMS procedure and was administered SNS dissolved in distilled water; and (4) a Stress + Fluoxetine (MF) group that received the CUMS procedure and was administered fluoxetine dissolved in distilled water. The open field test (OFT), the sucrose preference test (SPT), and the novel object recognition test (NOR) were performed to test the antidepressant effects of SNS. High-throughput mRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to explore possible gene targets of SNS in the pons, and quantitative real-time PCR was performed to verify the results. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect neurotransmitters. Finally, correlation analyses were conducted between behaviors, genes expression, and neurotransmitters. In Experiment 2, 18 rats were divided into the same three groups as in Experiment 1: (1) C, (2) M, and (3) MS. fMRI was used to confirm whether SNS altered the pons in a rat model of depression. Results SNS significantly improved sucrose preference in the SPT and TN-TO in the NOR compared to the M group (P < 0.05). RNA-seq filtered 49 differentially expressed genes(DEGs) that SNS could reverse in the pons of the CUMS depression model. Real-time PCR detected six genes, including Complexin2 (Cplx2), Serpinf1, Neuregulin1 (Nrg1), Annexin A1 (Anxa1), β-arrestin 1 (Arrb1) and presenilin 1 (Psen1). SNS significantly reversed changes in the expression of Anxa1, Nrg1, and Psen1 caused by CUMS (P < 0.05), which is consistent with the DEGs results. Additionally, SNS significantly reversed norepinephrine (NE) changes in the pons. There were 18 noteworthy correlations between behavior, genes, and neurotransmitters (P < 0.05). fMRI showed that SNS can decrease the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the pons of living depressed rats. Conclusion The pons is an important target brain region for SNS to exert its antidepressant effects. SNS may improve pontine NE levels by regulating the Anxa1, Nrg1, and Psen1 genes, thereby exerting antidepressant effects and improving cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Te Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Binbin Nie
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Analytical Techniques, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Qi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qijun Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianxing Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhang Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gaifen Li
- Institute of Basic Theory for Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Li
- Institute of Basic Theory for Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Guo Y, Chen N, Zhao M, Cao B, Zhu F, Guo C, Shi Y, Wang Q, Li Y, Zhang L. D-arabinose acts as antidepressant by activating the ACSS2-PPARγ/TFEB axis and CRTC1 transcription. Pharmacol Res 2024; 202:107136. [PMID: 38460778 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1), a pivotal synaptonuclear messenger, regulates synaptic plasticity and transmission to prevent depression. Despite exhaustive investigations into CRTC1 mRNA reductions in the depressed mice, the regulatory mechanisms governing its transcription remain elusive. Consequently, exploring rapid but non-toxic CRTC1 inducers at the transcriptional level is important for resisting depression. Here, we demonstrate the potential of D-arabinose, a unique monosaccharide prevalent in edible-medicinal plants, to rapidly enter the brain and induce CRTC1 expression, thereby eliciting rapid-acting and persistent antidepressant responses in chronic restrain stress (CRS)-induced depressed mice. Mechanistically, D-arabinose induces the expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and transcription factor EB (TFEB), thereby activating CRTC1 transcription. Notably, we elucidate the pivotal role of the acetyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) as an obligatory mediator for PPARγ and TFEB to potentiate CRTC1 transcription. Furthermore, D-arabinose augments ACSS2-dependent CRTC1 transcription by activating AMPK through lysosomal AXIN-LKB1 pathway. Correspondingly, the hippocampal down-regulations of ACSS2, PPARγ or TFEB alone failed to reverse CRTC1 reductions in CRS-exposure mice, ultimately abolishing the anti-depressant efficacy of D-arabinose. In summary, our study unveils a previously unexplored role of D-arabinose in activating the ACSS2-PPARγ/TFEB-CRTC1 axis, presenting it as a promising avenue for the prevention and treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Guo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Nuo Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Baihui Cao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Faliang Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chun Guo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongyu Shi
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Lining Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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McCallum RT, Thériault RK, Manduca JD, Russell ISB, Culmer AM, Doost JS, Martino TA, Perreault ML. Nrf2 activation rescues stress-induced depression-like behaviour and inflammatory responses in male but not female rats. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:16. [PMID: 38350966 PMCID: PMC10863247 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00589-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a recurring affective disorder that is two times more prevalent in females than males. Evidence supports immune system dysfunction as a major contributing factor to MDD, notably in a sexually dimorphic manner. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a regulator of antioxidant signalling during inflammation, is dysregulated in many chronic inflammatory disorders; however, its role in depression and the associated sex differences have yet to be explored. Here, we investigated the sex-specific antidepressant and immunomodulatory effects of the potent Nrf2 activator dimethyl fumarate (DMF), as well as the associated gene expression profiles. METHODS Male and female rats were treated with vehicle or DMF (25 mg/kg) whilst subjected to 8 weeks of chronic unpredictable stress. The effect of DMF treatment on stress-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviours, as well as deficits in recognition and spatial learning and memory were then assessed. Sex differences in hippocampal (HIP) microglial activation and gene expression response were also evaluated. RESULTS DMF treatment during stress exposure had antidepressant effects in male but not female rats, with no anxiolytic effects in either sex. Recognition learning and memory and spatial learning and memory were impaired in chronically stressed males and females, respectively, and DMF treatment rescued these deficits. DMF treatment also prevented stress-induced HIP microglial activation in males. Conversely, females displayed no HIP microglial activation associated with stress exposure. Last, chronic stress elicited sex-specific alterations in HIP gene expression, many of which were normalized in animals treated with DMF. Of note, most of the differentially expressed genes in males normalized by DMF were related to antioxidant, inflammatory or immune responses. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these findings support a greater role of immune processes in males than females in a rodent model of depression. This suggests that pharmacotherapies that target Nrf2 have the potential to be an effective sex-specific treatment for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T McCallum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Rachel-Karson Thériault
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Joshua D Manduca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Isaac S B Russell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Angel M Culmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Janan Shoja Doost
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Tami A Martino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Melissa L Perreault
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Jiang M, Wang L, Sheng H. Mitochondria in depression: The dysfunction of mitochondrial energy metabolism and quality control systems. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14576. [PMID: 38334212 PMCID: PMC10853899 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is the most disabling neuropsychiatric disorder, causing difficulties in daily life activities and social interactions. The exact mechanisms of depression remain largely unclear. However, some studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction would play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of depression. AIMS To summarize the known knowledge about the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of depression. METHODS We review the recent literature, including 105 articles, to summarize the mitochondrial energy metabolism and quality control systems in the occurrence and development of depression. Some antidepressants which may exert their effects by improving mitochondrial function are also discussed. RESULTS Impaired brain energy metabolism and (or) damaged mitochondrial quality control systems have been reported not only in depression patients but in animal models of depression. Although the classical antidepressants have not been specially designed to target mitochondria, the evidence suggests that many antidepressants may exert their effects by improving mitochondrial function. CONCLUSIONS This brief review focuses on the findings that implicate mitochondrial dysfunction and the quality control systems as important etiological factors in the context of depressive disorders. It will help us to understand the various concepts of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of depression, and to explore novel and more targeted therapeutic approaches for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengruo Jiang
- College of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Sheng
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic MedicineNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
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Liu R, Zhou H, Qu H, Chen Y, Bai Q, Guo F, Wang L, Jiang X, Mao H. Effects of aerobic exercise on depression-like behavior and TLR4/NLRP3 pathway in hippocampus CA1 region of CUMS-depressed mice. J Affect Disord 2023; 341:248-255. [PMID: 37634821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The paper observes regulation of the expression levels of NLRP3 and TLR4 in hippocampal CA1 neurons in CUMS mice by aerobic exercise with constructing CUMS depression mouse model, in order to explore the neuroprotective mechanism of aerobic exercise on the hippocampus of depressed mice. STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD 24 healthy male 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into CG, MG and ME. Thirteen stress-stimulating factors were randomly formulated into a CUMS stress-stimulating program. The mice were underwent 28 days of CUMS depression model, referenced clinical means for experimental research. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Yichun University (YCUEC IRB number LSK NO.2022.18). After model preparation, ME mice were subjected to moderate-intensity treadmill exercise training for 8 weeks. TST, FST and SPT were used to detect the depression-like behaviors of the mice in each group. Nissl staining was used to compare the cell morphology in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot were used to detect the changes in the expression levels of NLRP3, TLR4 and other proteins in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus. RESULTS The results of neurobehavioral assessment showed that, the immobility time of TST and FST were significantly increased, and SPT index was significantly decreased of MG mice. Compared with MG, ME mice significantly improved depression-like behaviors such as TST, FST and SPT index. Nissl staining showed that the morphology of neurons in CA1 region of hippocampus of MG mice were mostly vacuolar-like, with severe nuclear pyknosis. Abnormal morphological changes such as vacuolar-like and pyknotic pyknosis of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of ME mice were significantly reduced. Protein expression test showed that the number of NLRP3, TLR4, IL-1β and IL-10 positive neurons in hippocampal CA1 region of MG mice increased significantly compared with CG, and the proportion of positive cells increased significantly, while NLRP3 and TLR4 positive neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of ME mice were significantly reduced, the proportion of TLR4 positive cells was significantly reduced. CONCLUSION Systematic moderate-intensity exercise can effectively improve the depression-like behavior of CUMS depressed mice through the expression of TLR4/NLRP3 inflammatory signaling pathway, and provide an effective experimental basis for the clinical rehabilitation treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilian Liu
- College of Physical Education, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Continuing Education College, Yichun Vocational and Technical College, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Honglin Qu
- College of Physical Education, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Yilin Chen
- College of Physical Education, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qingyun Bai
- Jiangxi Key Lab of Natural Drug Research, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Fuqiang Guo
- College of Physical Education, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Liang Wang
- College of Physical Education, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiaobo Jiang
- College of Physical Education, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Haifeng Mao
- College of Physical Education, Yichun University, Yichun 336000, Jiangxi Province, China
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Wang Y, Du W, Sun Y, Zhang J, Ma C, Jin X. CRTC1 is a potential target to delay aging-induced cognitive deficit by protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier via inhibiting inflammation. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:1042-1059. [PMID: 37086081 PMCID: PMC10291461 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231169133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Aging can cause attenuation in the functioning of multiple organs, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown could promote the occurrence of disorders of the central nervous system during aging. Since inflammation is considered to be an important factor underlying BBB injury during aging, vascular endothelial cell senescence serves as a critical pathological basis for the destruction of BBB integrity. In the current review, we have first introduced the concepts related to aging-induced cognitive deficit and BBB integrity damage. Thereafter, we reviewed the potential relationship between disruption of BBB integrity and cognition deficit and the role of inflammation, vascular endothelial cell senescence, and BBB injury. We have also briefly introduced the function of CREB-regulated transcription co-activator 1 (CRTC1) in cognition and aging-induced CRTC1 changes as well as the critical roles of CRTC1/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in regulating inflammation, endothelial cell senescence, and BBB injury. Finally, the underlying mechanisms have been summarized and we propose that CRTC1 could be a promising target to delay aging-induced cognitive deficit by protecting the integrity of BBB through promoting inhibition of inflammation-mediated endothelial cell senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Wang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Jiaxing City, Jiaxing, China
| | - Weihong Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyun Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Junfang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chaolin Ma
- School of Life Science and Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xinchun Jin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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