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Talaee N, Azadvar S, Khodadadi S, Abbasi N, Asli-Pashaki ZN, Mirabzadeh Y, Kholghi G, Akhondzadeh S, Vaseghi S. Comparing the effect of fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline, on the level of BDNF and depression in preclinical and clinical studies: a systematic review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:983-1016. [PMID: 38558317 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03680-y] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) dysfunction is one of the most important mechanisms underlying depression. It seems that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) improve depression via affecting BDNF level. In this systematic review, for the first time, we aimed to review the effect of three SSRIs including fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline, on both depression and BDNF level in preclinical and clinical studies. PubMed electronic database was searched, and 193 articles were included in this study. After reviewing all manuscripts, only one important difference was found: subjects. We found that SSRIs induce different effects in animals vs. humans. Preclinical studies showed many controversial effects, while human studies showed only two effects: improvement of depression, with or without the improvement of BDNF. However, most studies used chronic SSRIs treatment, while acute SSRIs were not effectively used and evaluated. In conclusion, it seems that SSRIs are reliable antidepressants, and the improvement effect of SSRIs on depression is not dependent to BDNF level (at least in human studies).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Talaee
- Department of Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shataw Azadvar
- Department of Power Electronic, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Khodadadi
- Student Research Committee, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahal Abbasi
- Department of Health Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Yasaman Mirabzadeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gita Kholghi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, 1419815477, Iran.
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Misrani A, Tabassum S, Wang T, Huang H, Jiang J, Diao H, Zhao Y, Huang Z, Tan S, Long C, Yang L. Vibration-reduced anxiety-like behavior relies on ameliorating abnormalities of the somatosensory cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1351-1359. [PMID: 37905885 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00040/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff
Tibetan singing bowls emit low-frequency sounds and produce perceptible harmonic tones and vibrations through manual tapping. The sounds the singing bowls produce have been shown to enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used chronic restraint stress or sleep deprivation to establish mouse models of anxiety that exhibit anxiety-like behaviors. We then supplied treatment with singing bowls in a bottomless cage placed on the top of a cushion. We found that unlike in humans, the combination of harmonic tones and vibrations did not improve anxiety-like behaviors in mice, while individual vibration components did. Additionally, the vibration of singing bowls increased the level of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 in the somatosensory cortex and prefrontal cortex of the mice, decreased the level of γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA) receptor α 1 subtype, reduced the level of CaMKII in the prefrontal cortex, and increased the number of GABAergic interneurons. At the same time, electrophysiological tests showed that the vibration of singing bowls significantly reduced the abnormal low-frequency gamma oscillation peak frequency in the medial prefrontal cortex caused by stress restraint pressure and sleep deprivation. Results from this study indicate that the vibration of singing bowls can alleviate anxiety-like behaviors by reducing abnormal molecular and electrophysiological events in somatosensory and medial prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Misrani
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sidra Tabassum
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tintin Wang
- Guangzhou Hongai Cultural Development, Inc., Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Yinguo Health Management Team, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huixian Huang
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinxiang Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hongjun Diao
- Guangzhou Hongai Cultural Development, Inc., Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Yinguo Health Management Team, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yanping Zhao
- College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shaohua Tan
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Cheng Long
- South China Normal University-Panyu Central Hospital Joint Laboratory of Translational Medical Research, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Shen Y, Fan J, Liu S, Tao L, Yang Q, Shen X. Exploring pathogenesis and biomarkers through establishment of a rat model of male infertility with liver depression and kidney deficiency. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303189. [PMID: 38768165 PMCID: PMC11104592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish a rat model that accurately replicates the clinical characteristics of male infertility (MI) with Liver Depression and Kidney Deficiency (LD & KD) and investigate the pathogenesis. METHODS After subjecting the rats to chronic restraint stress (CRS) and adenine treatment, a series of tests were conducted, including ethological assessments, evaluations of reproductive characteristics, measurements of biochemical parameters, histopathological examinations, and analyses of urinary metabolites. Additionally, bioinformatics predictions were performed for comprehensive analysis. RESULTS Compared to the control, the model exhibited significant manifestations of MI with LD & KD, including reduced responsiveness, diminished frequency of capturing estrous female rats, and absence of mounting behavior. Additionally, the kidney coefficient increased markedly, while the coefficients of the testis and epididymis decreased significantly. Sperm counts and viabilities decreased notably, accompanied by an increase in sperm abnormalities. Dysregulation of reproductive hormone levels in the serum was observed, accompanied by an upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines expressions in the liver and kidney, as well as exacerbated oxidative stress in the penile corpus cavernosum and testis. The seminiferous tubules in the testis exhibited a loose arrangement, loss of germ cells, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, utilizing urinary metabolomics and bioinformatics analysis, 5 key biomarkers and 2 crucial targets most closely linked to MI were revealed. CONCLUSION The study successfully established a clinically relevant animal model of MI with LD & KD. It elucidates the pathogenesis of the condition, identifies key biomarkers and targets, and provides a robust scientific foundation for the prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of MI with LD & KD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shen
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The National Engineering Research Center of Miao’s Medicines, Guizhou Yibai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian Fan
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shaobo Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ling Tao
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qingbo Yang
- The National Engineering Research Center of Miao’s Medicines, Guizhou Yibai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiangchun Shen
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Tang Y, Gao Y, Nie K, Wang H, Chen S, Su H, Huang W, Dong H. Jiao-tai-wan and its effective component-berberine improve diabetes and depressive disorder through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117829. [PMID: 38296172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jiao-tai-wan (JTW), a classic herbal formula of traditional Chinese medicine recorded in Han Shi Yi Tong, has been used to alleviate sleep disorders since ancient times. In modern pharmacological research, JTW has been adopted for treating diabetes mellitus and even exerts antidepressant effects. However, the potential mechanisms deserve further elucidation. AIM OF THE STUDY The prevalence of diabetes mellitus combined with depressive disorder (DD) is continuing to increase, yet it is currently under-recognized and its treatment remains inadequate. The present study aims to explore the underlying therapeutics and mechanisms of JTW on DD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chronic restraint stress was used on db/db mice to construct a mouse model of DD. The therapeutic effects of JTW were assessed by glucolipid metabolic indexes, behavioral tests, and depression-related neurotransmitter levels. The inflammatory status and cell apoptosis of different mice were investigated and the changes in the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway were detected. Combining the results of fingerprinting with molecular docking, the active components of JTW were screened. A cellular model was constructed by intervention of glucose combined with corticosterone (CORT). The levels of apoptosis and depression-related neurotransmitters in HT-22 cells were examined, and the changes in the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway were tested. Finally, the activator and inhibitor of the PKA protein were used for reverse validation experiments. RESULTS JTW could improve the impaired glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism disorders, and depression-like symptoms in DD mice. Meanwhile, JTW could alleviate the inflammatory status, suppress the microglia activation, and improve hippocampal neuron apoptosis in DD mice. The dual effects of JTW might be associated with the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Berberine (Ber) was identified for the in vitro experiment, it could reverse the apoptosis of HT-22 cells and up-regulate the depression-related neurotransmitter levels, and the effects of Ber were related to the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway as well. CONCLUSION JTW could exert both hypoglycemic and antidepressant effects through activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, its active component, Ber, could improve the damage to HT-22 cells induced by glucose combined with CORT via the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Ber may be one of the effective components of the dual effects of JTW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueheng Tang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Yang Gao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Kexin Nie
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Hongzhan Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Shen Chen
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Wenya Huang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Hui Dong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Gao Y, Nie K, Wang H, Dong H, Tang Y. Research progress on antidepressant effects and mechanisms of berberine. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1331440. [PMID: 38318145 PMCID: PMC10839030 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1331440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression, a global health problem with growing prevalence, brings serious impacts on the daily life of patients. However, the antidepressants currently used in clinical are not perfectly effective, which greatly reduces the compliance of patients. Berberine is a natural quaternary alkaloid which has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological effects, such as hypoglycemic, lipid-regulation, anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant. This review summarizes the evidence of pharmacological applications of berberine in treating depression and elucidates the mechanisms of berberine regulating neurotransmitter levels, promoting the regeneration of hippocampal neurons, improving hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, anti-oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammatory status in order to provide a reference for further research and clinical application of berberine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kexin Nie
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hongzhan Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yueheng Tang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Tang Y, Su H, Nie K, Wang H, Gao Y, Chen S, Lu F, Dong H. Berberine exerts antidepressant effects in vivo and in vitro through the PI3K/AKT/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116012. [PMID: 38113631 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116012] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression, a global neuropsychiatric disorder, brings a serious burden to patients and society as its incidence continues to rise. Berberine is one of the main compounds of a variety of Chinese herbal medicines and has been shown to have multiple pharmacological effects. However, whether berberine can exert antidepressant effects in vivo and in vitro and its related mechanisms remain to be explored. METHODS The chronic restraint stress (CRS) method and corticosterone (CORT) were applied to simulate depression-like behavior in vivo and neuronal apoptosis in vitro, respectively. The antidepressant effects of berberine were evaluated by behavioral tests and changes in the content of monoamine neurotransmitters. Inflammatory cytokines were detected and immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to examine the mRNA and protein expression (or phosphorylation) levels of biomarkers of the PI3K/AKT/CREB/BDNF signaling pathways. RESULTS Behavioral tests and levels of neurotransmitters proved that berberine could effectively ameliorate depression-like symptoms in CRS mice. Meanwhile, the results of ELISA and immunofluorescence staining showed that berberine could alleviate inflammatory status and reduce cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the changes of the PI3K/AKT/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway induced by CRS or CORT in mouse hippocampus or HT-22 cells were significantly reversed by berberine. CONCLUSION Our current study suggested that berberine could exert antidepressant effects in vitro and in vivo, which may be associated with the PI3K/AKT/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueheng Tang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Kexin Nie
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Hongzhan Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shen Chen
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Fuer Lu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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Wang J, Deng X, Jiang J, Yao Z, Ju Y, Luo Y. Evaluation of electroacupuncture as a non-pharmacological therapy for astrocytic structural aberrations and behavioral deficits in a post-ischemic depression model in mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1239024. [PMID: 37700911 PMCID: PMC10493307 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1239024] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ascending clinical evidence supports that electroacupuncture (EA) is effective in treating post-ischemic depression (PID), but little is known about how it works at the cellular level. Astrocytes are exquisitely sensitive to their extracellular environment, and under stressful conditions, they may experience aberrant structural remodeling that can potentially cause neuroplastic disturbances and contribute to subsequent changes in mood or behavior. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of EA on behavioral deficits associated with PID in mice and verify the hypothesis that astrocytic morphology may be involved in this impact. Methods We established a PID animal model induced by transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO, 20 min) and chronic restraint stress (CRS, 21 days). EA treatment (GV20 + ST36) was performed for 3 weeks, from Monday to Friday each week. Depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors and sociability were evaluated using SPT, FST, EPM, and SIT. Immunohistochemistry combined with Sholl and cell morphological analysis was utilized to assess the process morphology of GFAP+ astrocytes in mood-related regions. The potential relationship between morphological changes in astrocytes and behavioral output was detected by correlation analysis. Results Behavioral assays demonstrated that EA treatment induced an overall reduction in behavioral deficits, as measured by the behavioral Z-score. Sholl and morphological analyses revealed that EA prevented the decline in cell complexity of astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the CA1 region of the hippocampus, where astrocytes displayed evident deramification and atrophy of the branches. Eventually, the correlation analysis showed there was a relationship between behavioral emotionality and morphological changes. Conclusion Our findings imply that EA prevents both behavioral deficits and structural abnormalities in astrocytes in the PID model. The strong correlation between behavioral Z-scores and the observed morphological changes confirms the notion that the weakening of astrocytic processes may play a crucial role in depressive symptoms, and astrocytes could be a potential target of EA in the treatment of PID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengyu Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaxin Ju
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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