1
|
Liu Y, Chen L, Lin L, Xu C, Xiong Y, Qiu H, Li X, Li S, Cao H. Unveiling the hidden pathways: Exploring astrocytes as a key target for depression therapy. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 174:101-113. [PMID: 38626560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.04.003] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Depressive disorders are widely debilitating psychiatric disease. Despite the considerable progress in the field of depression therapy, extensive research spanning many decades has failed to uncover pathogenic pathways that might aid in the creation of long-acting and rapid-acting antidepressants. Consequently, it is imperative to reconsider existing approaches and explore other targets to improve this area of study. In contemporary times, several scholarly investigations have unveiled that persons who have received a diagnosis of depression, as well as animal models employed to study depression, demonstrate a decrease in both the quantity as well as density of astrocytes, accompanied by alterations in gene expression and morphological attributes. Astrocytes rely on a diverse array of channels and receptors to facilitate their neurotransmitter transmission inside tripartite synapses. This study aimed to investigate the potential processes behind the development of depression, specifically focusing on astrocyte-associated neuroinflammation and the involvement of several molecular components such as connexin 43, potassium channel Kir4.1, aquaporin 4, glutamatergic aspartic acid transporter protein, SLC1A2 or GLT-1, glucocorticoid receptors, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B, and autophagy, that localized on the surface of astrocytes. The study also explores novel approaches in the treatment of depression, with a focus on astrocytes, offering innovative perspectives on potential antidepressant medications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Lin Lin
- Scientific Research Management Department, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Caijuan Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Yifan Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Huiwen Qiu
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Sixin Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zheng Z, Zhou H, Yang L, Zhang L, Guo M. Selective disruption of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in VTA astrocytes induces depression and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Behav Brain Res 2024; 463:114888. [PMID: 38307148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety. Most studies have been focusing on neurons, and the function of mTOR signaling pathway in astrocytes is less investigated. mTOR forms two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, with key scaffolding protein Raptor and Rictor, respectively. The ventral tegmental area (VTA), a vital component of the brain reward system, is enrolled in regulating both depression and anxiety. In the present study, we aimed to examine the regulation effect of VTA astrocytic mTOR signaling pathway on depression and anxiety. We specifically deleted Raptor or Rictor in VTA astrocytes in mice and performed a series of behavioral tests for depression and anxiety. Deletion of Raptor and Rictor both decreased the immobility time in the tail suspension test and the latency to eat in the novelty suppressed feeding test, and increased the horizontal activity and the movement time in locomotor activity. Deletion of Rictor decreased the number of total arm entries in the elevated plus-maze test and the vertical activity in locomotor activity. These data suggest that VTA astrocytic mTORC1 plays a role in regulating depression-related behaviors and mTORC2 is involved in both depression and anxiety-related behaviors. Our results indicate that VTA astrocytic mTOR signaling pathway might be new targets for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziteng Zheng
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Han Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Psychology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China; Medical Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, the First School of Clinical Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cui L, Li S, Wang S, Wu X, Liu Y, Yu W, Wang Y, Tang Y, Xia M, Li B. Major depressive disorder: hypothesis, mechanism, prevention and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:30. [PMID: 38331979 PMCID: PMC10853571 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01738-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, the incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is increasing annually, resulting in greater economic and social burdens. Moreover, the pathological mechanisms of MDD and the mechanisms underlying the effects of pharmacological treatments for MDD are complex and unclear, and additional diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for MDD still are needed. The currently widely accepted theories of MDD pathogenesis include the neurotransmitter and receptor hypothesis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hypothesis, cytokine hypothesis, neuroplasticity hypothesis and systemic influence hypothesis, but these hypothesis cannot completely explain the pathological mechanism of MDD. Even it is still hard to adopt only one hypothesis to completely reveal the pathogenesis of MDD, thus in recent years, great progress has been made in elucidating the roles of multiple organ interactions in the pathogenesis MDD and identifying novel therapeutic approaches and multitarget modulatory strategies, further revealing the disease features of MDD. Furthermore, some newly discovered potential pharmacological targets and newly studied antidepressants have attracted widespread attention, some reagents have even been approved for clinical treatment and some novel therapeutic methods such as phototherapy and acupuncture have been discovered to have effective improvement for the depressive symptoms. In this work, we comprehensively summarize the latest research on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of MDD, preventive approaches and therapeutic medicines, as well as the related clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Cui
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Siman Wang
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiafang Wu
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingyu Liu
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Weiyang Yu
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Maosheng Xia
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China.
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nishioka Y, Hayashi K, Morito K, Takayama K, Nagasawa K. Altered Expression of Astrocytic ATP Channels and Ectonucleotidases in the Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus of Chronic Social Defeat Stress-Susceptible BALB/c Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:1172-1178. [PMID: 38880625 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b24-00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The increasing number of patients with depressive disorder is a serious socioeconomic problem worldwide. Although several therapeutic agents have been developed and used clinically, their effectiveness is insufficient and thus discovery of novel therapeutic targets is desired. Here, focusing on dysregulation of neuronal purinergic signaling in depressive-like behavior, we examined the expression profiles of ATP channels and ectonucleotidases in astrocytes of cerebral cortex and hippocampus of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-susceptible BALB/c mice. Mice were exposed to 10-d CSDS, and their astrocytes were obtained using a commercially available kit based on magnetic activated cell sorting technology. In astrocytes derived from cerebral cortex of CSDS-susceptible mice, the expression levels of mRNAs for connexin 43, P2X7 receptors and maxi anion channels were increased, those for connexin 43 and P2X7 receptors being inversely correlated with mouse sociability, and the expression of mRNAs for ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrase 2 and ecto-5'nucleotidase was decreased and increased, respectively. On the other hand, the alteration profiles of ATP channels and ectonucleotidases in hippocampal astrocytes of CSDS-susceptible mice were different from in the case of cortical astrocytes, and there was no significant correlation between expression levels of their mRNAs and mouse sociability. These findings imply that increased expression of ATP channels in cerebral cortex might be involved in the development of reduced sociability in CSDS-subjected BALB/c mice. Together with recent findings, it is suggested that ATP channels expressed by cortical astrocytes might be potential therapeutic targets for depressive disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Nishioka
- Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
| | - Kana Hayashi
- Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
| | - Katsuya Morito
- Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
| | - Kentaro Takayama
- Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
| | - Kazuki Nagasawa
- Laboratory of Environmental Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lei L, Wang YT, Hu D, Gai C, Zhang Y. Astroglial Connexin 43-Mediated Gap Junctions and Hemichannels: Potential Antidepressant Mechanisms and the Link to Neuroinflammation. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4023-4040. [PMID: 37875763 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01426-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Major depression disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with a high suicide rate and a higher disability rate than any other disease. Evidence suggests that the pathological mechanism of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction. Depression is mainly associated with the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and the function of Cx43-mediated gap junctions and hemichannels in astrocytes. Moreover, neuroinflammation has been a hotspot in research on the pathology of depression, and Cx43-mediated functions are thought to be involved in neuroinflammation-related depression. However, the specific mechanism of Cx43-mediated functions in neuroinflammation-related depression pathology remains unclear. Therefore, this review summarizes and discusses Cx43 expression, the role of gap junction intercellular communication, and its relationship with neuroinflammation in depression. This review also focuses on the effects of antidepressant drugs (e.g., monoamine antidepressants, psychotropic drugs, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists) on Cx43-mediated function and provides evidence for Cx43 as a novel target for the treatment of MDD. The pathogenesis of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction, with reduced Cx43 expression, GJ dysfunction, decreased GJIC and reduced BDNF expression in the depressed brain. The effect of Cx43 on neuroinflammation-related depression involving inflammatory cytokines, glutamate excitotoxicity, and HPA axis dysregulation. Antidepressant drugs targeting Cx43 can effectively relieve depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Die Hu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Cong Gai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sun N, Cui WQ, Min XM, Zhang GM, Liu JZ, Wu HY. A new perspective on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and post-stroke depression. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:2961-2984. [PMID: 37518943 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Post-stroke depression, a common complication after stroke, severely affects the recovery and quality of life of patients with stroke. Owing to its complex mechanisms, post-stroke depression treatment remains highly challenging. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity is one of the key factors leading to post-stroke depression; however, the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Numerous studies have found that neurotrophic factors, protein kinases and neurotransmitters influence depressive behaviour by modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity. This review further elaborates on the role of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in post-stroke depression by summarizing recent research and analysing possible molecular mechanisms. Evidence for the correlation between hippocampal mechanisms and post-stroke depression helps to better understand the pathological process of post-stroke depression and improve its treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Cui
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao-Man Min
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Guang-Ming Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jia-Zheng Liu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hong-Yun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bharadvaja N. Exploring the Potential Therapeutic Approach Using Ginsenosides for the Management of Neurodegenerative Disorders. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00783-2. [PMID: 37330923 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00783-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
There is a need for an efficient and long-lasting treatment due to the population's increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders. In an effort to generate fresh ideas and create novel therapeutic medications, scientists have recently started to investigate the biological functions of compounds derived from plants and herbs. Ginseng, famous Chinese herbal medicine, has therapeutic value by virtue of its compounds ginsenosides or panaxosides, which are triterpene saponins and steroid glycosides. Research revealed positive impacts on ameliorating various disease conditions and found it as a possible drug candidate. Several neuroprotection mechanisms followed by this compound are inhibition of cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and tumor activity. It has been demonstrated that controlling these mechanisms enhances cognitive performance and safeguards the brain against neurodegenerative disorders. The main objective of this review is to give a description of the most recent studies on ginsenoside's possible therapeutic application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Using organic compounds like ginseng and its various components may create new avenues for innovative treatment approaches development for neurological diseases. However, further research is necessary to confirm the stability and effectiveness of ginsenosides for neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navneeta Bharadvaja
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Main Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yao J, Chen C, Guo Y, Yang Y, Liu X, Chu S, Ai Q, Zhang Z, Lin M, Yang S, Chen N. A Review of Research on the Association between Neuron-Astrocyte Signaling Processes and Depressive Symptoms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086985. [PMID: 37108148 PMCID: PMC10139177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a mental illness that has a serious negative impact on physical and mental health. The pathophysiology of depression is still unknown, and therapeutic medications have drawbacks, such as poor effectiveness, strong dependence, adverse drug withdrawal symptoms, and harmful side effects. Therefore, the primary purpose of contemporary research is to understand the exact pathophysiology of depression. The connection between astrocytes, neurons, and their interactions with depression has recently become the focus of great research interest. This review summarizes the pathological changes of neurons and astrocytes, and their interactions in depression, including the alterations of mid-spiny neurons and pyramidal neurons, the alterations of astrocyte-related biomarkers, and the alterations of gliotransmitters between astrocytes and neurons. In addition to providing the subjects of this research and suggestions for the pathogenesis and treatment techniques of depression, the intention of this article is to more clearly identify links between neuronal-astrocyte signaling processes and depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Yao
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Cong Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- School of Acupuncture & Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yantao Yang
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Xinya Liu
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Shifeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qidi Ai
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Meiyu Lin
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Songwei Yang
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Naihong Chen
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu X, Li L, Zhou B, Wang J, Shao W. Connexin 43 regulates astrocyte dysfunction and cognitive deficits in early life stress-treated mice. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:1207-1214. [PMID: 36939885 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06587-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress such as maternal separation (MS), is a major risk factor for developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Connexin 43 (CX43), the main type of connexins expressed in astrocytes, has been indicated to participate in depression disorders. Nevertheless, the role of CX43 in MS-induced cognitive impairment and astrocyte dysfunction is unclear. Neonatal C57BL/6 mice were exposed to MS to mimic early life stress. Adeno-associated virus carrying CX43 was inoculated into mice for CX43 overexpression. Sucrose preference test, forced swim test and Morris water maze were performed for evaluating depression-like behaviors and spatial learning and memory of mice in adulthood. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was conducted to detect CX43 mRNA expression in mouse brain. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used for measuring expression levels of astrocytic markers in murine hippocampal dentate gyrus. The results showed that overexpressing CX43 attenuated MS exposure-induced depression-like behaviors and decrease in spatial learning and memory in mice. Upregulating CX43 alleviated MS exposure-induced downregulation of astrocytic markers. Collectively, CX43 overexpression attenuates cognitive deficits and astrocyte dysfunction in mice exposed to MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wu
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Bingling Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Peng HR, Zhang YK, Zhou JW. The Structure and Function of Glial Networks: Beyond the Neuronal Connections. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:531-540. [PMID: 36481974 PMCID: PMC10043088 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00992-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells, consisting of astrocytes, oligodendrocyte lineage cells, and microglia, account for >50% of the total number of cells in the mammalian brain. They play key roles in the modulation of various brain activities under physiological and pathological conditions. Although the typical morphological features and characteristic functions of these cells are well described, the organization of interconnections of the different glial cell populations and their impact on the healthy and diseased brain is not completely understood. Understanding these processes remains a profound challenge. Accumulating evidence suggests that glial cells can form highly complex interconnections with each other. The astroglial network has been well described. Oligodendrocytes and microglia may also contribute to the formation of glial networks under various circumstances. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of glial networks and their pathological relevance to central nervous system diseases. We also highlight opportunities for future research on the glial connectome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Rong Peng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu-Kai Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jia-Wei Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jiang H, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43: An Interface Connecting Neuroinflammation to Depression. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041820. [PMID: 36838809 PMCID: PMC9961786 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading chronic mental illness worldwide, characterized by anhedonia, pessimism and even suicidal thoughts. Connexin 43 (Cx43), mainly distributed in astrocytes of the brain, is by far the most widely and ubiquitously expressed connexin in almost all vital organs. Cx43 forms gap junction channels in the brain, which mediate energy exchange and effectively maintain physiological homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests the crucial role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of MDD. Neuroinflammation is one of the most common pathological features of the central nervous system dysfunctions. Inflammatory factors are abnormally elevated in patients with depression and are closely related to nearly all links of depression. After activating the inflammatory pathway in the brain, the release and uptake of glutamate and adenosine triphosphate, through Cx43 in the synaptic cleft, would be affected. In this review, we have summarized the association between Cx43 and neuroinflammation, the cornerstones linking inflammation and depression, and Cx43 abnormalities in depression. We also discuss the significant association of Cx43 in inflammation and depression, which will help to explore new antidepressant drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Portal B, Vasile F, Zapata J, Lejards C, Ait Tayeb AEK, Colle R, Verstuyft C, Corruble E, Rouach N, Guiard BP. Astroglial Connexins Inactivation Increases Relapse of Depressive-like Phenotype after Antidepressant Withdrawal. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13227. [PMID: 36362016 PMCID: PMC9656718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies suggest that astrocytic connexins (Cx) have an important role in the regulation of high brain functions through their ability to establish fine-tuned communication with neurons within the tripartite synapse. In light of these properties, growing evidence suggests a role of Cx in psychiatric disorders such as major depression but also in the therapeutic activity of antidepressant drugs. However, the real impact of Cx on treatment response and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain yet to be clarified. On this ground, the present study was designed to evaluate the functional activity of Cx in a mouse model of depression based on chronic corticosterone exposure and to determine to which extent their pharmacological inactivation influences the antidepressant-like activity of venlafaxine (VENLA). On the one hand, our results indicate that depressed mice have impaired Cx-based gap-junction and hemichannel activities. On the other hand, while VENLA exerts robust antidepressant-like activity in depressed mice; this effect is abolished by the pharmacological inhibition of Cx with carbenoxolone (CBX). Interestingly, the combination of VENLA and CBX is also associated with a higher rate of relapse after treatment withdrawal. To our knowledge, this study is one of the first to develop a model of relapse, and our results reveal that Cx-mediated dynamic neuroglial interactions play a critical role in the efficacy of monoaminergic antidepressant drugs, thus providing new targets for the treatment of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Portal
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Flora Vasile
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jonathan Zapata
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Camille Lejards
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Abd El Kader Ait Tayeb
- CESP, MOODS Team, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine, University of Paris-Saclay, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de Bicêtre, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Romain Colle
- CESP, MOODS Team, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine, University of Paris-Saclay, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de Bicêtre, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Céline Verstuyft
- CESP, MOODS Team, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine, University of Paris-Saclay, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
- Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie de Bicêtre, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Emmanuelle Corruble
- CESP, MOODS Team, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine, University of Paris-Saclay, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de Bicêtre, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Bruno P. Guiard
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang Y, Hu Z, Liu H, Gu Y, Ye M, Lu Q, Lu X, Huang C. Adolescent microglia stimulation produces long-lasting protection against chronic stress-induced behavioral abnormalities in adult male mice. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 105:44-66. [PMID: 35781008 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies had reported that microglia activation one day before stress exposure prevented the behavioral abnormalities induced by chronic stress in adult mice, and a 10-day interval between microglia stimulation and stress exposure can abolish the prophylactic effect of LPS preinjection on the behavioral abnormalities induced by chronic stress, which, however, could be rescued by repeated LPS injection. This suggests that increased stimulation of microglia results in animals developing a strong ability to prevent deleterious stress stimuli. Because microglia in the adolescent brain exhibit flexible immunological plasticity, we hypothesize that a single low-dose LPS injection during adolescence may provide long-lasting protection against behavioral abnormalities induced by chronic stress in adult mice. As expected, our results showed that a single injection of LPS (100 μg/kg) at post-natal day 28 (PND 28) prevented the development of abnormal behaviors and shifted neuroinflammatory responses toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype in adult mice treated with CSDS at their different stages of the age (PND 56, 140, and 252). Moreover, pretreatment with minocycline or PLX3397 to inhibit microglial activation abolished the prophylactic effect of LPS preinjection after PND 28 on behavioral abnormalities and neuroinflammatory responses induced by CSDS in adult mice at their different stages of the age, PND 56, 140, and 252. These results indicate that stimulation of microglia in adolescence may confer long-lasting protection against neuroinflammatory responses and behavioral abnormalities induced by chronic stress in adult mice. This may offer the potential for the development of a "vaccine-like strategy" to prevent mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhichao Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huijun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Yancheng First Hospital, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, #66 Renmin South Road, Yancheng 224006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Gu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minxiu Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qun Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nantong Third Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, #60 Middle Qingnian Road, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang NN, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43: insights into candidate pathological mechanisms of depression and its implications in antidepressant therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2448-2461. [PMID: 35145238 PMCID: PMC9525669 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00861-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD), a chronic and recurrent disease characterized by anhedonia, pessimism or even suicidal thought, remains a major chronic mental concern worldwide. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most abundant connexin expressed in astrocytes and forms the gap junction channels (GJCs) between astrocytes, the most abundant and functional glial cells in the brain. Astrocytes regulate neurons' synaptic strength and function by expressing receptors and regulating various neurotransmitters. Astrocyte dysfunction causes synaptic abnormalities, which are related to various mood disorders, e.g., depression. Increasing evidence suggests a crucial role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of depression. Depression down-regulates Cx43 expression in humans and rats, and dysfunction of Cx43 also induces depressive behaviors in rats and mice. Recently Cx43 has received considerable critical attention and is highly implicated in the onset of depression. However, the pathological mechanisms of depression-like behavior associated with Cx43 still remain ambiguous. In this review we summarize the recent progress regarding the underlying mechanisms of Cx43 in the etiology of depression-like behaviors including gliotransmission, metabolic disorders, and neuroinflammation. We also discuss the effects of antidepressants (monoamine antidepressants and ketamine) on Cx43. The clarity of the candidate pathological mechanisms of depression-like behaviors associated with Cx43 and its potential pharmacological roles for antidepressants will benefit the exploration of a novel antidepressant target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Ning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rana T, Behl T, Shamsuzzaman M, Singh S, Sharma N, Sehgal A, Alshahrani AM, Aldahish A, Chidambaram K, Dailah HG, Bhatia S, Bungau S. Exploring the role of astrocytic dysfunction and AQP4 in depression. Cell Signal 2022; 96:110359. [PMID: 35597427 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the water regulating channel found in the terminal processes of astrocytes in the brain and is implicated in regulating the astrocyte functions, whereas in neuropathologies, AQP4 performs an important role in astrocytosis and release of proinflammatory cytokines. However, several findings have revealed the modulation of the AQP4 water channel in the etiopathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric diseases. In the current article, we have summarized the recent studies and highlighted the implication of astrocytic dysfunction and AQP4 in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorder. Most of the studies have measured the AQP4 gene or protein expression in the brain regions, particularly the locus coeruleus, choroid plexus, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus, and found that in these brain regions, AQP4 gene expression decreased on exposure to chronic mild stress. Few studies also measured the peripheral AQP4 mRNA expression in the blood and AQP4 autoantibodies in the blood serum and revealed no change in the depressed patients in comparison with normal individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarapati Rana
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India; Government Pharmacy College, Seraj, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
| | - Md Shamsuzzaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Asma M Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf Aldahish
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kumarappan Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad Ghaleb Dailah
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman; School of Health Science, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine of Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zheng QL, Zhu HY, Xu X, Chu SF, Cui LY, Dong YX, Liu YJ, Zhan JH, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Korean red ginseng alleviate depressive disorder by improving astrocyte gap junction function. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 281:114466. [PMID: 34332064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Korean red ginseng (KRG), a processed product of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey, show significant anti-depressive effect in clinic. However, its mechanism is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) dysfunction is a potential pathogenesis of depression. Therefore, this study's objective is to investigate whether the antidepressant effect of KRG is related to GJIC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rat were restraint 8 h every day for 28 consecutive days to prepare depression models, and meanwhile, rats were intragastrically administrated with normal saline, KRG solutions (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) 1 h before stress. The behavioral performance was determined by forced swimming test, sucrose preference test and open field test. GJIC was determined by the Lucifer yellow (LY) diffusion distance in prelimb cortex (PLC). In addition, the level of Cx43, one of executors of GJIC, was tested by Western blot. To find out the protective effect of KRG against GJIC dysfunction directly, rats were intracranially injected with carbenoxolone (CBX, blocker of GJIC), and meanwhile normal saline, KRG (100 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) was administered daily. The behavioral performance of these rats was detected, and the LY localization injection PLC area was used to detect the gap junction function. RESULTS Chronic resistant stress (CRS) induced depressive symptoms, as manifested by prolonged immobility time in forced swimming test and decreased sucrose consumption ratio. Administration of KRG alleviated these depressive symptoms significantly. GJIC determination showed that KRG improved the LY diffusion and increased Cx43 level in prefrontal cortex (PFC) significantly, indicated that GJIC dysfunction was alleviated by the treatment of KRG. However, the astrocytes number was also increased by the treatment of KRG, which maybe alleviate depression-like symptoms by increasing the number of astrocytes rather than improving GJIC. Injection of CBX produced depressive symptoms and GJIC dysfunction, as manifested by decreased sucrose consumption ratio and prolonged immobility time in forced swimming test, but no astrocytes number changes, KRG also reversed depressive symptoms and GJIC dysfunction, suggested that the improvement of depressive-like symptoms was improved by GJIC. CONCLUSIONS KRG alleviate depressive disorder by improving astrocytic gap junction function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Lian Zheng
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation (IBRR), South China Normal University (SCNU), Guangzhou, 510631, China.
| | - Hao-Yu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Xin Xu
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation (IBRR), South China Normal University (SCNU), Guangzhou, 510631, China.
| | - Shi-Feng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Li-Yuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yi-Xiao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Ying-Jiao Liu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha 410208 Hunan, China.
| | - Jia-Hong Zhan
- DME Center, Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation (IBRR), South China Normal University (SCNU), Guangzhou, 510631, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha 410208 Hunan, China; DME Center, Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ben Haim L, Escartin C. Astrocytes and neuropsychiatric symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases: Exploring the missing links. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 72:63-71. [PMID: 34628361 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by primary symptoms, such as cognitive or motor deficits. In addition, the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with ND is being increasingly acknowledged as an important disease feature. Yet, their neurobiological basis remains unclear and mostly centered on neurons while overlooking astrocytes, which are crucial regulators of neuronal function underlying complex behaviors. In this opinion article, we briefly review evidence for NPS in ND and discuss their experimental assessment in preclinical models. We then present recent studies showing that astrocyte-specific dysfunctions can lead to NPS. Because many astrocyte alterations are also observed in ND, we suggest that they might underlie ND-associated NPS. We argue that there is a need for dedicated preclinical studies assessing astrocyte-based therapeutic strategies targeting NPS in the context of ND.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Ben Haim
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Carole Escartin
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, MIRCen, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, 92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang HQ, Yang SW, Gao Y, Liu YJ, Li X, Ai QD, Lin MY, Yang YT, Zeng Q, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Novel antidepressant mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1: Regulating biosynthesis and degradation of connexin43. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 278:114212. [PMID: 34087399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer is a valuable medicinal herb and "alternative" remedy for the prevention and treatment of depression. Dysfunction of connexin43 (Cx43)-gap junction in astrocytes is predisposed to the precipitation of depression. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), the main bioactive constituent extracted from ginseng, is efficacious in the management of depression by upregulating the content of Cx43. Our previous results indicated that pretreatment with Rg1 significantly improved Cx43-gap junction in corticosterone (CORT)-treated astrocytes. However, the antidepressant mechanism underlying how Rg1 upregulates Cx43-gap junction in astrocytes hasn't been proposed. AIM OF THE STUDY To dissect the mechanisms of Rg1 controlling Cx43 levels in primary astrocytes. METHODS We examined the changes of the level of Cx43 mRNA, the degradation of Cx43, as well as the ubiquitin-proteasomal and autophagy-lysosomal degradation pathways of Cx43 followed by Rg1 prior to CORT in rat primary astrocytes isolated from prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, the recognized method of scrape loading/dye transfer was performed to detect Cx43-gap junctional function, an essencial indicator of the antidepressant effect. RESULTS Pretreatment with Rg1 could reverse CORT-induced downregulation of Cx43 biosynthesis, acceleration of Cx43 degradation, and upregulation of two Cx43 degradation pathways in primary astrocytes. CONCLUSION The findings in the present study provide the first evidence highlighting that Rg1 increases Cx43 protein levels through the upregulation of Cx43 mRNA and downregulation of Cx43 degradation, which may be attributed to the effect of Rg1 on the ubiquitin-proteasomal and autophagy-lysosomal degradation pathways of Cx43.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Qin Wang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Song-Wei Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ying-Jiao Liu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Xun Li
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Qi-Di Ai
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Mei-Yu Lin
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Yan-Tao Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Qi Zeng
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
β-Elemene Suppresses Obesity-Induced Imbalance in the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070704. [PMID: 34206511 PMCID: PMC8301405 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a kind of metabolically triggered inflammation, obesity influences the interplay between the central nervous system and the enteral environment. The present study showed that β-elemene, which is contained in various plant substances, had effects on recovering the changes in metabolites occurring in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6 male mice brains, especially in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP). β-elemene also partially reversed HFD-induced changes in the composition and contents of mouse gut bacteria. Furthermore, we evaluated the interaction between cerebral metabolites and intestinal microbiota via Pearson correlations. The prediction results suggested that Firmicutes were possibly controlled by neuron integrity, cerebral inflammation, and neurotransmitters, and Bacteroidetes in mouse intestines might be related to cerebral aerobic respiration and the glucose cycle. Such results also implied that Actinobacteria probably affected cerebral energy metabolism. These findings suggested that β-elemene has regulatory effects on the imbalanced microbiota-gut-brain axis caused by obesity and, therefore, would contribute to the future study in on the interplay between cerebral metabolites from different brain regions and the intestinal microbiota of mice.
Collapse
|
20
|
Decreased connexin43 expression in the hippocampus is related to the antidepressant effect of amitriptyline in neuropathic pain mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 566:141-147. [PMID: 34126344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Downregulation of astrocytic connexin43 (Cx43) has been observed in several brain regions in rodents and patients with depression. However, its specific role in this effect remains unknown. Moreover, chronic pain can induce depressive disorders. Therefore, the current study examined the relationship between Cx43 expression and depressive-like behavior in a neuropathic pain model. Neuropathic pain was induced by spared nerve injury (SNI) in mice. Depressive-like behavior was evaluated using the forced swim test. Expression of Cx43 in the hippocampus was evaluated using Western blotting and real-time PCR. SNI downregulated Cx43 protein in the contralateral hippocampus of mice, whereas expression of hippocampal Cx43 mRNA was not altered following SNI. Although SNI mice showed longer immobility time compared with sham mice during the forced swim test, duration of depressive-like behavior was not correlated with the expression of Cx43 in the hippocampus of SNI mice. Repeated intraperitoneal administration of amitriptyline ameliorated SNI-induced depressive-like behavior. Furthermore, the antidepressant effect of amitriptyline was correlated with decreased hippocampal Cx43 expression in SNI mice. The current findings suggest that the alteration of Cx43 expression in the hippocampus may not be involved in the induction of depressive disorder but may influence the efficacy of antidepressants. Therefore, the level of Cx43 expression in the hippocampus could be a key parameter to evaluate individual differences in antidepressant effects in patients with depressive disorder.
Collapse
|
21
|
Liu YD, Tang G, Qian F, Liu L, Huang JR, Tang FR. Astroglial Connexins in Neurological and Neuropsychological Disorders and Radiation Exposure. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1970-1986. [PMID: 32520676 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200610175037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a common treatment for brain and spinal cord tumors and also a risk factor for neuropathological changes in the brain leading to different neurological and neuropsychological disorders. Astroglial connexins are involved in brain inflammation, development of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), depressive, epilepsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and are affected by radiation exposure. Therefore, it is speculated that radiation-induced changes of astroglial connexins may be related to the brain neuropathology and development of neurological and neuropsychological disorders. In this paper, we review the functional expression and regulation of astroglial connexins expressed between astrocytes and different types of brain cells (including oligodendrocytes, microglia, neurons and endothelial cells). The roles of these connexins in the development of AD, depressive, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and brain inflammation have also been summarized. The radiation-induced astroglial connexins changes and development of different neurological and neuropsychological disorders are then discussed. Based on currently available data, we propose that radiation-induced astroglial connexins changes may be involved in the genesis of different neurological and neuropsychological disorders which depends on the age, brain regions, and radiation doses/dose rates. The abnormal astroglial connexins may be novel therapeutic targets for the prevention of radiation-induced cognitive impairment, neurological and neuropsychological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Duo Liu
- Medical School of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | - Ge Tang
- Woodlands Health Campus, National Healthcare Group Singapore, Singapore
| | - Feng Qian
- Medical School of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Medical School of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | | | - Feng Ru Tang
- Radiation Physiology Laboratory, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Czéh B, Simon M. Benefits of animal models to understand the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110049. [PMID: 32735913 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a potentially life-threatening mental disorder imposing severe social and economic burden worldwide. Despite the existence of effective antidepressant treatment strategies the exact pathophysiology of the disease is still unknown. Large number of animal models of MDD have been developed over the years, but all of them suffer from significant shortcomings. Despite their limitations these models have been extensively used in academic research and drug development. The aim of this review is to highlight the benefits of animal models of MDD. We focus here on recent experimental data where animal models were used to examine current theories of this complex disease. We argue, that despite their evident imperfections, these models provide invaluable help to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of MDD. Furthermore, animal models are utilized in research to find clinically useful biomarkers. We discuss recent neuroimaging and microRNA studies since these investigations yielded promising candidates for biomarkers. Finally, we briefly summarize recent progresses in drug development, i.e. the FDA approval of two novel antidepressant drugs: S-ketamine and brexanolone (allopregnanolone). Deeper understanding of the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms of action responsible for the antidepressant efficacy of these rapid acting drugs could aid us to design further compounds with similar effectiveness, but less side effects. Animal studies are likely to provide valuable help in this endeavor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boldizsár Czéh
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Maria Simon
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kaul D, Schwab SG, Mechawar N, Matosin N. How stress physically re-shapes the brain: Impact on brain cell shapes, numbers and connections in psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:193-215. [PMID: 33556389 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe stress is among the most robust risk factors for the development of psychiatric disorders. Imaging studies indicate that life stress is integral to shaping the human brain, especially regions involved in processing the stress response. Although this is likely underpinned by changes to the cytoarchitecture of cellular networks in the brain, we are yet to clearly understand how these define a role for stress in human psychopathology. In this review, we consolidate evidence of macro-structural morphometric changes and the cellular mechanisms that likely underlie them. Focusing on stress-sensitive regions of the brain, we illustrate how stress throughout life may lead to persistent remodelling of the both neurons and glia in cellular networks and how these may lead to psychopathology. We support that greater translation of cellular alterations to human cohorts will support parsing the psychological sequalae of severe stress and improve our understanding of how stress shapes the human brain. This will remain a critical step for improving treatment interventions and prevention outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Kaul
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Sibylle G Schwab
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle blvd, Verdun, Qc, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Natalie Matosin
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Charvériat M, Guiard BP. Serotonergic neurons in the treatment of mood disorders: The dialogue with astrocytes. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 259:197-228. [PMID: 33541677 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes were traditionally regarded as cells important to neuronal activity, providing both metabolic and structural supports. Recent evidence suggests that they may also play a crucial role in the control of higher brain functions. In keeping with this hypothesis, it is now well accepted that astrocytes contribute to stress but also react to antidepressant drugs as they express serotonergic transporters and receptors. However, the downstream mechanisms leading to the fine-tuned regulation of mood are still unknown. This chapter pays attention to the role of astrocytes in the regulation of emotional behavior and related serotonergic neurotransmission. In particular, it gives a current state of the clinical and preclinical evidence showing that astrocytes respond to environmental conditions and antidepressant drugs through the release of gliotransmitters and neurotrophic factors which in turn, influence serotonergic tone in discrete brain areas. This state-of-the-art review aims at demonstrating the remarkable potential for novel therapeutic antidepressant strategies targeting these glial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno P Guiard
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gu Y, Ye T, Tan P, Tong L, Ji J, Gu Y, Shen Z, Shen X, Lu X, Huang C. Tolerance-inducing effect and properties of innate immune stimulation on chronic stress-induced behavioral abnormalities in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 91:451-471. [PMID: 33157258 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Over-activation of the innate immune system constitutes a risk factor for the development of nervous system disorders but may reduce the severity of these disorders by inducing tolerance effect. Here, we studied the tolerance-inducing effect and properties of innate immune stimulation on chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced behavioral abnormalities in mice. A single injection of the innate immune enhancer lipopolysaccharide (LPS) one day before stress exposure prevented CSDS-induced impairment in social interaction and increased immobility time in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test. This effect was observed at varying doses (100, 500, and 1000 μg/kg) and peaked at 100 μg/kg. A single LPS injection (100 μg/kg) either one or five but not ten days before stress exposure prevented CSDS-induced behavioral abnormalities. A second LPS injection ten days after the first LPS injection, or a 2 × or 4 × LPS injections ten days before stress exposure also induced tolerance against stress-induced behavioral abnormalities. Our results furthermore showed that a single LPS injection one day before stress exposure skewed the neuroinflammatory response in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of CSDS-exposed mice toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Inhibiting the central innate immune response by pretreatment with minocycline or PLX3397 abrogated the tolerance-inducing effect of LPS preconditioning on CSDS-induced behavioral abnormalities and neuroinflammatory responses in the brain. These results provide evidence for a prophylactic effect of innate immune stimulation on stress-induced behavioral abnormalities via changes in microglial activation, which may help develop novel strategies for the prevention of stress-induced psychological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pingping Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lijuan Tong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianlin Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiming Gu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongxia Shen
- Department of Psychosomatic and Psychiatric Diseases, Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital Huzhou, the Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, #2088 Tiaoxi East Road, Huzhou 313000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinhua Shen
- Department of Psychosomatic and Psychiatric Diseases, Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital Huzhou, the Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, #2088 Tiaoxi East Road, Huzhou 313000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Portal B, Guiard BP. [Role of astrocytic connexins in the regulation of extracellular glutamate levels: implication for the treatment of major depressive episodes]. Biol Aujourdhui 2020; 214:71-83. [PMID: 33357364 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2020008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Major depression is a psychiatric disorder relying on different neurobiological mechanisms. In particular, a hypersensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis leading to an excess of cortisol in blood and a deficit in monoaminergic neurotransmission have been associated with mood disorders. In keeping with these mechanisms, currently available antidepressant drugs act by increasing the extracellular levels of monoamines in the synaptic cleft. Since the discovery of the rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects of ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, a growing attention in psychiatry is paid to the pharmacological tools able to attenuate glutamatergic neurotransmission. Astrocytes play an important role in the excitatory/inhibitory balance of the central nervous system through the regulation of glutamate reuptake and secretion. Interestingly, the release of this excitatory amino acid is controlled, at least in part, by plasma membrane proteins (i.e. connexins) that cluster together to form gap junctions or hemichannels. Preclinical evidence suggests that these functional entities play a critical role in emotional behaviour. After a brief overview of the literature on mood disorders and related treatments, this review describes the role of astrocytes and connexins in glutamatergic neurotransmission and major depression. Moreover, we highlight the arguments supporting the therapeutic potential of connexins blockers but also the practical difficulties to target the hemichannels while maintaining gap junctions intact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Portal
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno P Guiard
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31000 Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang J, Ning L, Wang J. Dietary quercetin attenuates depressive-like behaviors by inhibiting astrocyte reactivation in response to stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 533:1338-1346. [PMID: 33059918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the antidepressant activity of quercetin are unknown. We investigated the effect of a quercetin-enriched diet (2 g/kg and 0.5 g/kg doses) on chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. The 2 g/kg quercetin-enriched diet attenuated depressive-like behaviors when introduced before CSDS (long-term). The long-term 0.5 g/kg quercetin-enriched diet showed a trend toward behavioral improvement. The frequencies of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in the mPFC and hippocampus were significantly higher in mice fed the long-term 2 g/kg quercetin-enriched diet compared with the normal diet; no difference was found in the amygdala. Quercetin-enriched diets administered concurrently and after stress induction failed to trigger these effects. A1-specific astrocyte reactivity was markedly suppressed in the microglia and astrocytes isolated from the mPFC and hippocampus of mice fed the long-term quercetin-enriched diet, but not in those who received quercetin supplementation concurrently or after CSDS. To confirm the role of astrocytes in the neuroprotective effect of quercetin, we activated astrocytes by injecting a chemogenic AAV stimulus into the mPFC and hippocampus and found that astrocyte activation during administration of the long-term quercetin-enriched diet significantly deceased the frequency of sEPSCs and sIPSCs in the mPFC and hippocampus and further attenuated quercetin-induced behavioral improvements. These findings highlight the key role of astrocyte reactivation in the regulation of quercetin neuroprotective activity and suggest that a diet high in quercetin, whether as a fruit- and vegetable-rich diet or food additive may help cope with stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Zhang
- Anhui No.2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| | - Lijuan Ning
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| | - Junping Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Astrocyte-Derived Lactate Modulates the Passive Coping Response to Behavioral Challenge in Male Mice. Neurosci Bull 2020; 37:1-14. [PMID: 32785834 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00553-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Every organism inevitably experiences stress. In the face of acute, intense stress, for example, periods of passivity occur when an organism's actions fail to overcome the challenge. The occurrence of inactive behavior may indicate that struggling would most likely be fruitless. Repeated serious stress has been associated with mood disorders such as depression. The modulation of passive coping response patterns has been explored with a focus on the circuit level. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms are largely uncharacterized. Here, we report that lactate is a key factor in the astrocytic modulation of the passive coping response to behavioral challenge in adult mice. We found increased extracellular lactate in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) when mice experienced the forced swimming test (FST). Furthermore, we discovered that disturbing astrocytic glycogenolysis, which is a key step for lactate production in the mPFC, decreased the duration of immobility in the FST. Knocking down monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), which is expressed exclusively in astrocytes and transports lactate from astrocytes to the extracellular space, caused similar results in the FST. The behavioral effect of both the pharmacological disturbance of astrocytic glycogenolysis and viral disruption of MCT4 expression was rescued via the administration of L-lactate. Moreover, we found that both pharmacological and viral modulation of astrocyte-derived lactate in mPFC slices increased the excitability of layer V pyramidal neurons, and this enhancement was reversed by exogenous L-lactate administration. These results highlight astrocyte-derived lactate as a biological mechanism underlying the passive coping response to behavioral challenge and may provide new strategies to prevent mood disorders.
Collapse
|
29
|
Hao T, Du X, Yang S, Zhang Y, Liang F. Astrocytes-induced neuronal inhibition contributes to depressive-like behaviors during chronic stress. Life Sci 2020; 258:118099. [PMID: 32682917 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Although emerging evidence has highlighted the heterogeneities of astrocytes under physiological versus pathological conditions, little is known regarding these processes in different brain regions during stress. Thus, the present study established a mouse model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) and isolated astrocytes from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus. The results revealed dramatic A1-specific (neurotoxic phenotype) astrocytic responses, depressive-like behaviors, and significant inhibition of neuronal activities in both the mPFC and hippocampus according to electrophysiological data. Subsequently, astrocytes in the mPFC and hippocampus of CSDS mice were suppressed and this reversed the astrocytic responses and rescued depressive-like behaviors. Furthermore, when astrocytes were activated in the mPFC and hippocampus in healthy mice, there was a non-specific phenotypic activation of astrocytes in the absence of depressive-like behaviors. Next, microglia were depleted and the mice subsequently performed in the CSDS model; this reduced astrocyte responses and restored depressive-like behaviors. On the other hand, when microglia were depleted but astrocytes were activated in CSDS mice, this abolished the restoration of microglia depletion-induced depressive-like behaviors. Taken together, these results indicate that neuronal inhibition by astrocytes in the mPFC and hippocampus contributed to depressive-like behaviors mediated by activated microglia. This study provides evidence regarding the interaction of microglia and astrocytes during stress and how that relationship can trigger depressive-like behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianpao Hao
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Xiaohong Du
- Department of geriatric medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Shen Yang
- Departments of Neurology, Tai'an City Central Hospital, Tai'an 271000, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Feiyu Liang
- Department of geriatric medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Portal B, Delcourte S, Rovera R, Lejards C, Bullich S, Malnou CE, Haddjeri N, Déglon N, Guiard BP. Genetic and pharmacological inactivation of astroglial connexin 43 differentially influences the acute response of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2020; 229:e13440. [PMID: 31925934 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Astroglial connexins (Cxs) 30 and 43 are engaged in gap junction and hemichannel activities. Evidence suggests that these functional entities contribute to regulating neurotransmission, thereby influencing brain functions. In particular, preclinical and clinical findings highlight a role of Cx43 in animal models of depression. However, the role of these proteins in response to currently available psychotropic drugs is still unknown. METHODS To investigate this, we evaluated the behavioural effects of the genetic and pharmacological inactivation of Cx43 on the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine and the benzodiazepine diazepam, respectively. RESULTS A single administration of fluoxetine (18 mg/kg; i.p.) produced a higher increase in hippocampal extracellular serotonin levels, and a greater antidepressant-like effect in the tail suspension test in Cx43 knock-down (KD) mice bred on a C57BL/6 background compared to their wild-type littermates. Similarly, in outbred Swiss wild-type mice, the intra-hippocampal injection of a shRNA-Cx43 or the acute systemic injection of the Cxs inhibitor carbenoxolone (CBX: 10 mg/kg; i.p.) potentiated the antidepressant-like effects of fluoxetine. Evaluating the effects of such strategies on diazepam (0.5 mg/kg; i.p.), the results indicate that Cx43 KD mice or wild-types injected with a shRNA-Cx43 in the amygdala, but not in the hippocampus, attenuated the anxiolytic-like effects of this benzodiazepine in the elevated plus maze. The chronic systemic administration of CBX mimicked the latter observations. CONCLUSION Collectively, these data pave the way to the development of potentiating strategies in the field of psychiatry based on the modulation of astroglial Cx43.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Portal
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA) Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI) Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III Toulouse France
| | - Sarah Delcourte
- Univ Lyon Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 Inserm Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208 Bron France
| | - Renaud Rovera
- Univ Lyon Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 Inserm Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208 Bron France
| | - Camille Lejards
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA) Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI) Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III Toulouse France
| | - Sebastien Bullich
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA) Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI) Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III Toulouse France
| | - Cécile E. Malnou
- Centre de Physiopathologie Toulouse‐Purpan (CPTP) INSERM CNRS Université de Toulouse Toulouse France
| | - Nasser Haddjeri
- Univ Lyon Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 Inserm Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208 Bron France
| | - Nicole Déglon
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory of Neurotherapies and Neuromodulation (LNTM) Lausanne University Hospital Lausanne Switzerland
- Neuroscience Research Center LNTM Lausanne University Hospital Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Bruno P. Guiard
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA) Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI) Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III Toulouse France
- Faculté de Pharmacie Université Paris Sud Université Paris‐Saclay Chatenay‐Malabry France
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cellular mechanisms and molecular signaling pathways in stress-induced anxiety, depression, and blood-brain barrier inflammation and leakage. Inflammopharmacology 2020; 28:643-665. [PMID: 32333258 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-020-00712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are comorbid conditions in many neurological or psychopathological disorders. Stress is an underlying event that triggers development of anxiety and depressive-like behaviors. Recent experimental data indicate that anxiety and depressive-like behaviors occurring as a result of stressful situations can cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, which is characterized by inflammation and leakage. However, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. This paper sought to review recent experimental preclinical and clinical data that suggest possible molecular mechanisms involved in development of stress-induced anxiety and depression with associated BBB inflammation and leakage. Critical therapeutic targets and potential pharmacological candidates for treatment of stress-induced anxiety and depression with associated BBB dysfunctions are also discussed.
Collapse
|
32
|
Hippocampal astrocyte dysfunction contributes to etomidate-induced long-lasting synaptic inhibition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 519:803-811. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|