Chaihu-Shugan-San inhibits neuroinflammation in the treatment of post-stroke depression through the JAK/STAT3-GSK3β/PTEN/Akt pathway

Antidepressant advantage of Chaihushugan san in female mice: A novel signaling mechanism in hippocampus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCY

Chaihushugan san (CSS), a classic formula for soothing the liver and relieving depression, has been identified to produce rapid antidepressant-like effects in female mice. However, the gender predominance and underlying mechanisms of CSS's antidepressant remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we focused on unraveling the gender predominance of CSS in antidepressant and the specific neuronal mechanisms that mediate this predominance.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT) were used to evaluate depressive phenotypes or antidepressant-like effects of CSS in female and male chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice model. RNA-sequencing was used to screen specific target for CSS antidepressant gender dominance. RT-PCR and elisa were used to detect the expressions of specific molecule, hormones, and inflammatory factors in the hippocampus. hippocampal viral overactivation and pharmacological blockade were used to detect the correlation between CSS antidepressant gender dominance and related targets.

RESULTS

In the present study, both female and male mice displayed depressive phenotypes including significant increasing immobility time in TST and reducing sucrose preference ratio in SPT after exposing CUMS for 3 weeks. However, acute administration of CSS (2, 4 g/kg) improved the depressive phenotypes only in female mice or not male mice at 2 h later. Moreover, the expressions of TC2N were increased only in female mice after exposing CUMS for 3 weeks, which were also reversed by CSS after a single administration 2 h later, but no alterations in male mice. The hippocampal expressions of estrogen receptor β (Erβ), pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10, TGF-β and IL-1Rα) were all abnormal in female CUMS mice model, which were all normalized by CSS. Furthermore, overactivation of hippocampal TC2N by AAV-TC2N+/+ blocked the antidepressant-like effects of CSS and the up-regulation of hippocampal Erβ in female mice. However, inhibition of Erβ blunted the antidepressant-like effects of CSS and CSS's suppression of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α), which had no any effect on hippocampal TC2N and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10 and TGF-β).

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that CSS had antidepressant superiority in female mice depending on inhibiting hippocampal TC2N and then activating Erβ, further inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory factors to produce antidepressant effects, which provided a basis for the guidance of CSS in clinical application, new ideas and targets for the development of drugs for depression with gender differences.

Identification of antidepressant constituents from Xiangfu-chuanxiong herbal medicine pair via spectrum-effect relationship analyses, molecular docking and corticosterone-induced PC12 cells

Herbal medicine pair, composed of two single herbs, is a relatively fixed minimum prescription unit in the traditional Chinese medicine's formula and has special significance in clinic. The combination of Xiangfu (the rhizoma of Cyperus rotundus L, XF) and Chuanxiong (the rhizoma of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort, CX) has been recoded as an herbal medicine pair XF-CX in the Yuan Dynasty (1347 CE) of China and widely used in traditional Chinese medicine formula, including Chaihu Shugan San, which has been clinically used for treatment of depression. However, the optimal ratio of the XF-CX herbal medicine pair and its antidepressant constituents are still unclear. Herein, the antidepressive-like effects of XF-CX herbal medicine pairs with different ratios of XF and CX (2:1, 1:1, 1:2) were evaluated using behavioral despair animal models in mice, and then its potential antidepressant constituents were recognized by spectrum-effect relationship analyses. Finally, the potential antidepressant constituents of the XF-CX herbal medicine pair were validated by molecular docking with glucocorticoid receptor and corticosterone (CORT)-induced PC12 cell injury model. The results indicated that different ratios of XF-CX pairs had antidepressive-like effects, and the XF-CX (2:1) exhibited a more significant effect. Thirty-two potential antidepressant constituents in the XF-CX herbal medicine pair were screened out from the spectrum-effect relationship combined molecular docking analyses. Among them, senkyunolide A, cyperotundone, Z-ligustilide, and levistilide A were validated to have protective effects against CORT-induced injury in PC12 cells. Our findings not only obtained the optimal ratio of XF-CX in the herbal medicine pair for the treatment of depression but also its potential antidepressant constituents, which will benefit in elucidating the mechanism of action and promoting the application of the herbal medicine pair in the clinic.

Acute hyper-hypoxia accelerates the development of depression in mice via the IL-6/PGC1α/MFN2 signaling pathway

Background

Neural cell damage is an important cause of exacerbation of depression symptoms caused by hypoxia, but the mechanism behind it is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α)/mitofusin-2 (MFN2) signaling axis in the development of depression in mice under hypoxia.

Methods

Male Institute of Cancer Research mice (age, 6 weeks) were assigned to the normal group, chronic unpredictable mild stress group (CUMS group), or CUMS + hyper-hypoxia group (CUMS + H group). Mice in the CUMS and CUMS + H groups were exposed to CUMS for 28 days. Additionally, mice in the CUMS + H group were exposed to acute hyper-hypoxia from Day 21 for 7 days. After a total of 28 days, behavioral experiments were conducted. All mice were anesthetized and sacrificed. Levels of brain tissue interleukin (IL)-6, reactive oxygen species (ROS), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and serotonin (5-HT) were analyzed.

Results

As compared to the CUMS group, mice in the CUMS + H group had increased IL-6 and ROS levels, but lower open-field activity, preference for sucrose, hippocampal neuronal membrane potential, ATP, and 5-HT levels, as well as MFN2 and PGC1α levels.

Conclusions

Acute hyper-hypoxia plays an important role in the development of depression via the IL-6/PGC1α/MFN2 signaling pathway.

Effectiveness and safety of Chaihu-Shugan-San for treating depression based on clinical cases: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS), a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, has been widely used for treating depression since the Ming Dynasty, as recorded in Jingyue Quanshu, but its effectiveness and safety lack comprehensive and objective evaluation. Based on our meta-analysis, we aimed to adequately evaluate the efficacy and risk of CSS by considering the latest clinical literature.

METHODS

Multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP, and Wanfang, were used to collect clinical data. The quality of the included clinical studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and the data were meta-analyzed using Review Manager 5.0 and Stata 17. The data were obtained from a genome-wide association study, and Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed using R Software 4.3.2 with the TwoSampleMR and MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier packages.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies with 1034 patients and 6 antidepressant drugs were included in this work. Meta-analyses revealed that drug combinations of CSS and antidepressants significantly improved depressive symptoms (weighted mean difference = -4.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.62--2.81), increased the effective rate (odds ratio [OR] = 3.82; 95% CI: 2.44-6.83), and reduced side effects (OR = -3.55; 95% CI: -5.66--1.43) compared with antidepressant monotherapy. Additionally, compared with antidepressant monotherapy, CSS alone exhibited fewer side effects (95% CI:-9.25--6.95). Like antidepressants, CSS also improved depressive symptoms (weighted mean difference = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.63--0.52) and increased the effective rate (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.52-2.20). Additionally, MR was used to evaluate the safety of traditional antidepressants, as there was a causal association between amitriptyline and body mass index.

CONCLUSION

This analysis demonstrated that compared with traditional antidepressants, CSS combined with antidepressants was more effective and safer for treating depressed patients. MR showed that a causal relationship may exist between amitriptyline and body mass index. Therefore, clinicians should carefully consider the advantages and potential drawbacks of Traditional Chinese Medicine and classic drugs to serve patients better.

Pathogenesis of depression and the potential for traditional Chinese medicine treatment

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that significantly diminishes quality of life and longevity, ranking as one of the primary causes of disability globally. Contemporary research has explored the potential pathogenesis of depression from various angles, encompassing genetics, neurotransmitter systems, neurotrophic factors, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inflammation, and intestinal flora, among other contributing factors. In addition, conventional chemical medications are plagued by delayed onset of action, persistent adverse effects, and restricted therapeutic efficacy. In light of these limitations, the therapeutic approach of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained increasing recognition for its superior effectiveness. Numerous pharmacological and clinical studies have substantiated TCM's capacity to mitigate depressive symptoms through diverse mechanisms. This article attempts to summarize the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of depression and to describe the characteristics of herbal medicines (including compounded formulas and active ingredients) for the treatment of depression. It further evaluates their effectiveness by correlating with the multifaceted pathogenesis of depression, thereby furnishing a reference for future research endeavors.

Exploring pathogenesis and biomarkers through establishment of a rat model of male infertility with liver depression and kidney deficiency

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.

Exploring the transformative impact of traditional Chinese medicine on depression: Insights from animal models

Depression, a prevalent and complex mental health condition, presents a significant global health burden. Depression is one of the most frequent mental disorders; deaths from it account for 14.3% of people worldwide. In recent years, the integration of complementary and alternative medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has gained attention as a potential avenue for addressing depression. This comprehensive review critically assesses the efficacy of TCM interventions in alleviating depressive symptoms. An in-depth look at different research studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses is used in this review to look into how TCM practices like herbal formulations, acupuncture, and mind-body practices work. The review looks at the quality of the evidence, the rigor of the methods, and any possible flaws in the current studies. This gives us an idea of where TCM stands right now in terms of treating depression. This comprehensive review aims to assess the efficacy of TCM interventions in alleviating depressive symptoms. In order to learn more about their possible healing effects, the study also looks into how different types of TCM work, such as herbal formulas, acupuncture, and mind-body practices.

Dietary inflammatory index is associated with severe depression in older adults with stroke: a cross-sectional study

Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of stroke and depression. We aimed to investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and depression in American adults with stroke. Adults with stroke were enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2018 in the USA. The DII was obtained from a 24-h dietary recall interview for each individual. Multivariate regression and restricted cubic spline analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between DII and depression in adults with stroke. The mean age of the 1239 participants was 63·85 years (50·20 % women), and the prevalence of depression was 18·26 %. DII showed a linear and positive association with severe depression in adults with stroke (OR 1·359; 95 % CI 1·021, 1·810; P for non-linearity = 0·493). Compared with those in the lowest tertile of the DII, adults with stroke in the third tertile of the DII had a 3·222-fold higher risk of severe depression (OR 3·222; 95 % CI 1·150, 9·026). In the stratified analyses, the association between DII score and severe depression was more significant in older adults (P for interaction = 0·010) but NS with respect to sex (P for interaction = 0·184) or smoking status (P for interaction = 0·396). No significant association was found between DII and moderate-to-moderately severe depression in adults with stroke. In conclusion, an increase in DII score was associated with a higher likelihood of severe depression in older adults with stroke.

Potential antidepressant effects of Traditional Chinese botanical drug formula Chaihu-Shugan-San and its active ingredients

Background: Depression is a severe mental disorder that poses a significant threat to both the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals. Currently, there are various methods for treating depression, including traditional Chinese herbal formulations like Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS), which have shown effective antidepressant effects in both clinical and animal research. Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of evidence related to CSS, considering both preclinical and clinical studies, to uncover its potential multi-level, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms for treating depression and identify its active ingredients. Methods: A thorough search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Wanfang, using keywords such as "Chaihu Shugan" and "depression" to retrieve relevant literature on CSS and its active ingredients. The review process adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: This review consolidates the mechanisms underlying antidepressant effects of CSS and its active ingredients. It emphasizes its involvement in the regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, among other aspects. Conclusion: CSS exerts a pivotal role in treating depression through various pathways, including the monoaminergic neurotransmitter system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, synaptic plasticity, inflammation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and the brain-gut axis. This review facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the current state of CSS research, fostering an in-depth exploration of the etiological mechanisms of depression and the potential discovery of novel antidepressant drugs.

Integrated analyses for identification of a three-gene signature associated with Chaihu Shugan San formula for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

Chaihu Shugan San (CSS) is a well-known traditional herbal formula that has the potential to ameliorate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its mechanism of action remains unknown. Here, we identified the key targets of CSS against HCC and developed a prognostic model to predict the survival of patients with HCC. The effect of CSS plus sorafenib on HCC cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT assay. LASSO-Cox regression was used to establish a three-gene signature model targeting CSS. Correlations between immune cells, immune checkpoints and risk score were determined to evaluate the immune-related effects of CSS. The interactions between the components and targets were validated using molecular docking and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) assays. CSS and sorafenib synergistically inhibited HCC cell proliferation. Ten core compounds and 224 targets were identified using a drug compound-target network. The prognostic model of the three CSS targets (AKT1, MAPK3 and CASP3) showed predictive ability. Risk scores positively correlated with cancer-promoting immune cells and high expression of immune checkpoint proteins. Molecular docking and SPR analyses confirmed the strong binding affinities of the active components and the target genes. Western blot analysis confirmed the synergistic effect of CSS and sorafenib in inhibiting the expression of these three targets. In conclusion, CSS may regulate the activity of immune-related factors in the tumour microenvironment, reverse immune escape, enhance immune responses through AKT1, MAPK3, and CASP3, and synergistically alleviate HCC. The co-administration of sorafenib with CSS has a strong clinical outlook against HCC.

Bibliometric analysis of PTEN in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration

Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) was initially recognized as a significant regulator of cancer suppression and could impede cancer cell survival, proliferation, and energy metabolism. PTEN is highly expressed in neurons and performs crucial functions in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neuronal survival. Disruption of PTEN activity may also result in abnormal neuronal function and is associated with various neurological disorders, including stroke, seizures, and autism. Although several studies have shown that PTEN is involved in the development and degenerative processes of the nervous system, there is still a lack of in-depth studies that summarize and analyse patterns of cooperation between authors, institutions, countries, and journals, as well as research hotspots and trends in this important field. To identify and further visualize the cooperation and comprehend the development and trends of PTEN in the nervous system, especially in neural development and neurological diseases, we used a bibliometric analysis to identify relevant publications on this topic. We first found that the number of publications displayed a growing trend with time, but this was not stable. Universities, institutions, and authors from the United States are leading in this area of research. In addition, many cutting-edge research results have been discovered, such as key regulatory molecules and cellular mechanisms of PTEN in the nervous system, which may provide novel intervention targets and precise therapeutic strategies for related pathological injuries and diseases. Finally, the literature published within the last 5 years is discussed to identify future research trends regarding PTEN in the nervous system. Taken together, our findings, analysed using bibliometrics, may reflect research hotspots and trends, providing a reference for studying PTEN in the nervous system, especially in neural development and neurological diseases. These findings can assist new researchers in developing their research interests and gaining basic information. Moreover, our findings also may provide precise clinical guidelines and strategies for treating nervous system injuries and diseases caused by PTEN dysfunction.

Resveratrol Improves Cognitive Function in Post-stroke Depression Rats by Repressing Inflammatory Reactions and Oxidative Stress via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent mental health issue, and resveratrol (RES) has been implicated in its management. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of RES on PSD. A PSD rat model was established through middle cerebral artery occlusion and chronic unpredictable mild stress. Rats received RES via gavage, and depressive behaviors were evaluated through various measures. Cerebral infarction areas and brain tissue pathology were assessed using TTC and H&E staining. Levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-6/IL-10), neurotransmitters (ACH/DA/5-HT/BDNF), and oxidative stress-related indicators (SOD/GSH-Px/MDA), along with the total Nrf2/C-Nrf2/N-Nrf2/HO-1 proteins, were analyzed. The role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway was investigated by co-treating rats with RES and either an Nrf2 pathway specific inhibitor (ML385) or activator (dimethyl fumarate). PSD rats exhibited depressive behaviors, disrupted neurotransmitter levels, and oxidative stress markers. RES treatment effectively alleviated these symptoms and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in PSD rat brain tissues. Co-administration of ML385 attenuated the beneficial effects of RES in PSD rats. Altogether, RES mitigates depressive behaviors, improves cognitive dysfunction, and reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory response in PSD rats. These effects are mediated through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, suggesting RES as a potential therapeutic agent for PSD-related cognitive impairment.

Research progress on post-stroke depression

Stroke is a highly prevalent and widely detrimental cardiovascular disease, frequently resulting in impairments of both motor function and neural psychological capabilities, such as post-stroke depression (PSD). PSD is the most prevalent neuropsychological disorder among stroke patients, characterized by persistent emotional lowness and diminished interest as its primary features. This article summarizes the mechanism research, animal models and related treatments of PSD. Further improvements are needed in the screening of research subjects and the construction of animal models in the study of PSD. At the same time, in the study of the mechanism of PSD, we need to consider the interaction between multiple systems. The treatment of PSD requires more careful consideration. This can help us to find something new in the study of the mechanism of complex PSD, which provides a new direction for us to develop new treatment delivery.

Neuroinflammation and Post-Stroke Depression: Focus on the Microglia and Astrocytes

Post-stroke depression (PSD), a frequent and disabling complication of stroke, has a strong impact on almost thirty percent of stroke survivors. The pathogenesis of PSD is not completely clear so far. Neuroinflammation following stroke is one of underlying mechanisms that involves in the pathophysiology of PSD and plays an important function in the development of depression and is regarded as a sign of depression. During the neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke onset, both astrocytes and microglia undergo a series of morphological and functional changes and play pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effect in the pathological process of stroke. Importantly, astrocytes and microglia exert dual roles in the pathological process of PSD due to the phenotypic transformation. We summarize the latest evidence of neuroinflammation involving in PSD in this review, focus on the phenotypic transformation of microglia and astrocytes following ischemic stroke and reveal the dual roles of both microglia and astrocytes in the PSD via modulating the neuroinflammation.

Inhibition of SK Channels in VTA Affects Dopaminergic Neurons to Improve the Depression-Like Behaviors of Post-Stroke Depression Rats

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels) on the dopaminergic (DA) neuron pathways in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) during the pathogenesis of post-stroke depression (PSD) and explore the improvement of PSD by inhibiting the SK channels.

Patients and Methods

Four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided: Control, PSD, SK channel inhibitor (apamin) and SK channel activator (CyPPA) groups. In both control and CyPPA groups, sham surgery was performed. In the other two groups, middle cerebral arteries were occluded. The behavioral indicators related to depression in different groups were compared. Immunofluorescence was used to measure the activity of DA neurons in the VTA, while qRT-PCR was used to assess the expression of SK channel genes.

Results

The results showed that apamin treatment improved behavioral indicators related to depression compared to the PSD group. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR analysis revealed differential expression of the KCNN1 and KCNN3 subgenes of the SK channels in each group. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed an increase in the expression of DA neurons in the VTA of the PSD group, which was subsequently reduced upon apamin intervention.

Conclusion

This study suggests that SK channel activation following stroke contributes to depression-related behaviors in PSD rats through increased expression of DA neurons in the VTA. And depression-related behavior is improved in PSD rats by inhibiting the SK channels. The results of this study provide a new understanding of PSD pathogenesis and the possibility of developing new strategies to prevent PSD by targeting SK channels.

Kaixin Jieyu Granule attenuates neuroinflammation-induced depressive-like behavior through TLR4/PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 pathway: a study of network pharmacology and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Kaixin Jieyu Granule (KJG), an improved formula of Kai-xin-san and Si-ni-san, is a highly effective formula with demonstrated efficacy in preventing depression in previous studies. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of KJG's antidepressant effects on inflammatory molecules remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of KJG on depression using network pharmacology and experimental validation.

METHODS

We employed a multi-faceted approach, combining high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), network pharmacology, and molecular docking, to unravel the underlying mechanisms of KJG's anti-depressant effects. To confirm our findings, we conducted at least two independent in vivo experiments on mice, utilizing both the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced models. Furthermore, the results of in vivo experiments were verified by in vitro assays. Behavioral tests were utilized to evaluate depression-like behaviors, while Nissl staining was used to assess morphological changes in the hippocampus. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and pathway-related protein expressions were determined using a combination of immunofluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western Blotting (WB).

RESULTS

Our network-based approaches indicated that ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1) and saikosaponin d (Ssd) are the major constituents of KJG that exert an anti-depressant effect by regulating TLR4, PI3K, AKT1, and FOXO1 targets through the toll-like receptor, PI3K/AKT, and FoxO pathways. In vivo, KJG can attenuate depression-like behaviors, protect hippocampal neuronal cells, and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) by repressing TLR4 expression, which was regulated by the inhibition of FOXO1 through nuclear exportation. Furthermore, KJG increases the expression levels of PI3K, AKT, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-PTEN. Our in vitro assays are consistent with our in vivo studies. On the other hand, the above effects can be reversed by applying TAK242 and LY294002.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that KJG can exert anti-depressant effects by regulating neuroinflammation through the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 pathway by suppressing TLR4 activation. The study's findings reveal novel mechanisms underlying the anti-depressant effects of KJG, presenting promising avenues for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches for depression.

Notopterol improves cognitive dysfunction and depression-like behavior via inhibiting STAT3/NF-ĸB pathway mediated inflammation in glioma-bearing mice

Over the past few decades, clinicians and experts applied kinds of therapies for patients with malignant gliomas such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgical extraction. However, they used to ignore the real seriousness of neuropsychiatric symptoms after glioma, including cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, and depression, which severely impeded patients' recovery and prognosis. Interestingly, one of our previous clinical studies have found some behavioral symptoms in glioma patients were associated with systemic inflammation. Notopterol is one of the principal extracts of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Notopterygium incisum having anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory activity. However, whether notopterol is beneficial to the treatment of glioma has not been reported. In this study, we found that notopterol inhibited growth and increased apoptosis of glioma via inhibiting STAT3 activity. In addition, notopterol treatment improved cognitive impairment and depression-like behavior in GL261 cell-based glioma mice via preventing the loss of dendritic spines and the reduction of synapse related proteins (PSD95 and Synapsin-1) in hippocampal neurons. Notopterol significantly reduced the levels of cytokines (iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β) and the activity of STAT3/NF-kB signalling pathway in peritumoural brain tissues and GL261 conditioned medium (GCM) treated microglial cell line (BV2 cells). These results demonstrated that notopterol not only exerted anti-glioma effects via inhibiting STAT3 activity, but improved neuropsychiatric symptoms via inhibiting tumour associated inflammation through modulation of the STAT3/NF-kB pathway in glioma-bearing mice.