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Su L, Guo P, Guo X, He Z, Zhao Y, Zong Y, Li J, Chen W, DU R. Paeoniflorin alleviates depression by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome via promoting mitochondrial autophagy. Chin J Nat Med 2024; 22:515-529. [PMID: 38906599 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(24)60654-0] [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: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Depression ranks among the most common neuropsychiatric disorders globally. Current studies examining the roles of inflammation and mitochondrial autophagy in the antidepressant efficacy of paeoniflorin (PF) are sparse. This study aimed to elucidate PF's antidepressant mechanism by promoting autophagy and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation using chronic unpredictable mild stimulation (CUMS)-induced C57BL/6 mouse models in vivo and corticosterone (CORT)-induced HT22 cell models in vitro. Results demonstrated that PF enhanced the viability of HT22 cells following CORT exposure, restored mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation, increased LC3 fluorescence intensity, and suppressed inflammatory cytokine secretion and inflammation activation. Additionally, PF ameliorated depressive behaviors induced by CUMS and improved damage in hippocampal neurons. It also reduced the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Moreover, PF upregulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins in the hippocampus, facilitating the clearance of damaged mitochondria and enhancing autophagy. The role of autophagy in PF's antidepressant effects was further confirmed through the use of the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA), which reduced the efficacy of PF. In conclusion, PF effectively improved depressive behaviors in CUMS-induced mice and reduced NLRP3-mediated inflammation both in vivo and in vitro, likely via the induction of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Su
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Pengli Guo
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xiangjuan Guo
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Zhongmei He
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Ying Zong
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Jianming Li
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Weijia Chen
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Rui DU
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Changchun 130118, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Production and Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Ministry of National Education, Changchun 130118, China.
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Averina OV, Poluektova EU, Zorkina YA, Kovtun AS, Danilenko VN. Human Gut Microbiota for Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5782. [PMID: 38891970 PMCID: PMC11171505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, depressive disorder is spreading rapidly all over the world. Therefore, attention to the studies of the pathogenesis of the disease in order to find novel ways of early diagnosis and treatment is increasing among the scientific and medical communities. Special attention is drawn to a biomarker and therapeutic strategy through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. It is known that the symbiotic interactions between the gut microbes and the host can affect mental health. The review analyzes the mechanisms and ways of action of the gut microbiota on the pathophysiology of depression. The possibility of using knowledge about the taxonomic composition and metabolic profile of the microbiota of patients with depression to select gene compositions (metagenomic signature) as biomarkers of the disease is evaluated. The use of in silico technologies (machine learning) for the diagnosis of depression based on the biomarkers of the gut microbiota is given. Alternative approaches to the treatment of depression are being considered by balancing the microbial composition through dietary modifications and the use of additives, namely probiotics, postbiotics (including vesicles) and prebiotics as psychobiotics, and fecal transplantation. The bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is under consideration as a promising new-generation probiotic and auxiliary diagnostic biomarker of depression. The analysis conducted in this review may be useful for clinical practice and pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V. Averina
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.U.P.); (Y.A.Z.); (A.S.K.); (V.N.D.)
| | - Elena U. Poluektova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.U.P.); (Y.A.Z.); (A.S.K.); (V.N.D.)
| | - Yana A. Zorkina
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.U.P.); (Y.A.Z.); (A.S.K.); (V.N.D.)
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Kropotkinsky per. 23, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Mental-Health Clinic No. 1 Named after N.A. Alekseev, Zagorodnoe Highway 2, 115191 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey S. Kovtun
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.U.P.); (Y.A.Z.); (A.S.K.); (V.N.D.)
| | - Valery N. Danilenko
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.U.P.); (Y.A.Z.); (A.S.K.); (V.N.D.)
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Ma H, Huang H, Li C, Li S, Gan J, Lian C, Ling Y. The antidepressive mechanism of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in mice with depression-like behaviors. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:5. [PMID: 38218856 PMCID: PMC10787738 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine therapies for depression. Integrated Chinese-western therapies have been extensively applied in numerous diseases due to their superior efficiency in individual treatment. We used the meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and bioinformatics studies to identify the putative role of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in depression. Depression-like behaviors were mimicked in mice after exposure to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The underlying potential mechanism of this combination therapy was further explored based on in vitro and in vivo experiments to analyze the expression of COX-2, PGE2, and IL-22, activation of microglial cells, and neuron viability and apoptosis in the hippocampus. The antidepressant effect was noted for the combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine in mice compared to a single treatment. COX-2 was mainly expressed in hippocampal CA1 areas. Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine reduced the expression of COX-2 and thus alleviated depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation in mice. A decrease of COX-2 curtailed BV-2 microglial cell activation, inflammation, and neuron apoptosis by blunting the PGE2/IL-22 axis. Therefore, a combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine inactivates the COX-2/PGE2/IL-22 axis, consequently relieving the neuroinflammatory response and the resultant depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huina Ma
- Department of Health, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Hehua Huang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Chenyu Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Shasha Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Juefang Gan
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Chunrong Lian
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China
| | - Yanwu Ling
- Department of Human Anatomy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, P. R. China.
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Mokhtari T, Uludag K. Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Post-Spinal-Cord-Injury Anxiety and Depression: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:56-70. [PMID: 38109051 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00596] [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: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of research on the long-term effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) has primarily focused on neuropathic pain (NP), psychological issues, and sensorimotor impairments. Among SCI patients, mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, have been extensively studied. It has been found that chronic stress and NP have negative consequences and reduce the quality of life for individuals living with SCI. Our review examined both human and experimental evidence to explore the connection between mood changes following SCI and inflammatory pathways, with a specific focus on NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. We observed increased proinflammatory factors in the blood, as well as in the brain and spinal cord tissues of SCI models. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in various diseases by controlling the release of proinflammatory molecules like interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Dysregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in key brain regions associated with pain processing, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, contributes to the development of mood disorders following SCI. In this review, we summarized recent research on the expression and regulation of components related to NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in mood disorders following SCI. Finally, we discussed potential therapeutic approaches that target the NLRP3 inflammasome and regulate proinflammatory cytokines as a way to treat mood disorders following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmineh Mokhtari
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kadir Uludag
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China
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Chen X, Wang L, Zheng W, Yang Y, Yang B, Hu Y, Du J, Li X, Lu J, Chen N. The gray matter atrophy and related network changes occur in the higher cognitive region rather than the primary sensorimotor cortex after spinal cord injury. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16172. [PMID: 37842067 PMCID: PMC10569206 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16172] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore brain structural and related network changes in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Thirty-one right-handed SCI patients and 31 gender- and age-matched healthy controls (HC) were included. The gray matter volume (GMV) changes in SCI patients were observed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Then, these altered gray matter clusters were used as the regions of interest (ROIs) for whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis to detect related functional changes. The potential association between GMV and FC values with the visual analog scale (VAS), the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score, and the course of injuries was investigated through partial correlation analysis. Results GMV of the frontal, temporal, and insular cortices was lower in the SCI group than in the HC group. No GMV changes were found in the primary sensorimotor area in the SCI group. Besides, the altered FC regions were not in the primary sensorimotor area but in the cingulate gyrus, supplementary motor area, precuneus, frontal lobe, and insular. Additionally, some of these altered GMV and FC regions were correlated with ASIA motor scores, indicating that higher cognitive regions can affect motor function in SCI patients. Conclusions This study demonstrated that gray matter and related network reorganization in patients with SCI occurred in higher cognitive regions. Future rehabilitation strategies should focus more on cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Weimin Zheng
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Beining Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsheng Hu
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jubao Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejing Li
- Department of Radiology, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing, China
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Christofi AASN, Tate DG, Witter C, Alonso AC, Greve JMD. Predictors of quality of life of individuals living in Brazil with spinal cord injury/disease. Spinal Cord 2023; 61:253-259. [PMID: 36792662 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-023-00881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional, descriptive study. OBJECTIVES To investigate the demographic, clinical behavioral, and rehabilitation predictors of the quality of life (QoL) of people with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D) in a middle-income country. METHOD Ninety-five participants living in the community were evaluated with the following instruments: World Health Organization Quality of Life - Bref; International SCI Core DataSet; Clinical Interview; Spinal Cord Secondary Conditions Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire; Numerical Pain Intensity Scale; Short-Form 12 Health Survey - Item 8 (how much pain hinders activities); Patient Health Questionnaire 2, Numerical Fatigue Scale. Data were analyzed via Spearman correlation, univariate analysis, and multiple regression to explain the effects associated with quality-of-life predictors. RESULTS The main factors that decreased quality of life were fatigue (by 11.5%), depression (by 5.5-12.8%), pain (by 1.3 in total life quality, in the physical domain by 8.6-9.6%), sores (15.6% in the physical domain only). The practice of sports increased the total quality of life by 14.4%, in the physical domain by 11.9%, in the psychological domain by 17.2%, and in the social domain by 23.7%. CONCLUSIONS Fatigue, risk of depression, pain, and the presence of sores are predictors of poor quality of life, and sports are a predictor of a better quality of life, for people with spinal cord injury. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation, in addition to policies, to increase accessibility and social inclusion, and incentives or subsidies for the practice of sports could improve QoL following SCI/D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice A S N Christofi
- Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Denise G Tate
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carla Witter
- University Center of The Americas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angelica Castilho Alonso
- Program in Aging Science, São Judas Tadeu University, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory for the Study of the Movement, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia Maria D'Andrea Greve
- Laboratory for the Study of the Movement, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Assessing Depression and Cognitive Impairment Following Stroke and Neurotrauma: Behavioral Methods for Quantifying Impairment and Functional Recovery. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2616:263-277. [PMID: 36715941 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2926-0_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Rodent models of stroke and neural injury are reliable and useful tools for testing new interventions and therapeutics. In addition to physical (motor) impairment, cognitive deficits and depressive behaviors are often observed due to neurotrauma. Proper experimental design of pre- and post-assessments of these behaviors that reduce or minimize the confounding effects of motor impairment are essential for determining markers of progression of impairment or recovery. This chapter provides step-by-step laboratory protocols for assessing cognition using the Barnes maze and the novel object recognition test (NORT) and depressive-like behaviors using the sucrose preference test, the three-chambered sociability approach test, and the burrowing test.
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Brakel K, Aceves M, Garza A, Yoo C, Escobedo G, Panchani N, Shapiro L, Hook M. Inflammation increases the development of depression behaviors in male rats after spinal cord injury. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 14:100258. [PMID: 34589764 PMCID: PMC8474513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Following spinal cord injury, 18-26% of patients are diagnosed with depressive disorders, compared to 8-12% in the general population. As increased inflammation strongly correlates with depression in both animal and human studies, we hypothesized that the immune activation inherent to SCI could increase depression-like behavior. Thus, we proposed that reducing immune activation with minocycline, a microglial inhibitor, would decrease depression-like behavior following injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given minocycline in their drinking water for 14 days following a moderate, mid-thoracic (T12) spinal contusion. An array of depression-like behaviors (social activity, sucrose preference, forced swim, open field activity) were examined prior to injury as well as on days 9-10, 19-20, and 29-30 post-injury. Peripheral cytokine levels were analyzed in serum collected prior to injury and 10 days post-injury. Hierarchical cluster analysis divided subjects into two groups based on behavior: depressed and not-depressed. Depressed subjects displayed lower levels of open field activity and social interaction relative to their not-depressed counterparts. Depressed subjects also showed significantly greater expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines both before and after injury and displayed lower levels of hippocampal neurogenesis than not-depressed subjects. Intriguingly, subjects who later showed depressive behaviors had higher baseline levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, which persisted throughout the duration of the experiment. Minocycline, however, did not affect serum cytokine levels and did not block the development of depression; equal numbers of minocycline versus vehicle-treated subjects appeared in both phenotypic groups. Despite this, these data overall suggest that molecular correlates of inflammation prior to injury could predict the development of depression after a physical stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiralyn Brakel
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Medical Research and Education Building, Ste. 1005 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, United States
- Texas A&M Institute of Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, Rm 3148, 3474, TAMU, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Miriam Aceves
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Medical Research and Education Building, Ste. 1005 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, United States
- Texas A&M Institute of Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, Rm 3148, 3474, TAMU, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Aryana Garza
- Texas A&M Institute of Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, Rm 3148, 3474, TAMU, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Chaeyoung Yoo
- Texas A&M Institute of Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, Rm 3148, 3474, TAMU, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Gabriel Escobedo
- Texas A&M Institute of Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, Rm 3148, 3474, TAMU, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Nishah Panchani
- Texas A&M Institute of Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, Rm 3148, 3474, TAMU, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Lee Shapiro
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Medical Research and Education Building, Ste. 1005 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, United States
- Texas A&M Institute of Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, Rm 3148, 3474, TAMU, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Michelle Hook
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Medical Research and Education Building, Ste. 1005 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, United States
- Texas A&M Institute of Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, Rm 3148, 3474, TAMU, College Station, TX, United States
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Beyond the lesion site: minocycline augments inflammation and anxiety-like behavior following SCI in rats through action on the gut microbiota. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:144. [PMID: 34174901 PMCID: PMC8234629 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Minocycline is a clinically available synthetic tetracycline derivative with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. The majority of studies show that minocycline can reduce tissue damage and improve functional recovery following central nervous system injuries, mainly attributed to the drug’s direct anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective properties. Surprisingly the consequences of minocycline’s antibiotic (i.e., antibacterial) effects on the gut microbiota and systemic immune response after spinal cord injury have largely been ignored despite their links to changes in mental health and immune suppression. Methods Here, we sought to determine minocycline’s effect on spinal cord injury-induced changes in the microbiota-immune axis using a cervical contusion injury in female Lewis rats. We investigated a group that received minocycline following spinal cord injury (immediately after injury for 7 days), an untreated spinal cord injury group, an untreated uninjured group, and an uninjured group that received minocycline. Plasma levels of cytokines/chemokines and fecal microbiota composition (using 16s rRNA sequencing) were monitored for 4 weeks following spinal cord injury as measures of the microbiota-immune axis. Additionally, motor recovery and anxiety-like behavior were assessed throughout the study, and microglial activation was analyzed immediately rostral to, caudal to, and at the lesion epicenter. Results We found that minocycline had a profound acute effect on the microbiota diversity and composition, which was paralleled by the subsequent normalization of spinal cord injury-induced suppression of cytokines/chemokines. Importantly, gut dysbiosis following spinal cord injury has been linked to the development of anxiety-like behavior, which was also decreased by minocycline. Furthermore, although minocycline attenuated spinal cord injury-induced microglial activation, it did not affect the lesion size or promote measurable motor recovery. Conclusion We show that minocycline’s microbiota effects precede its long-term effects on systemic cytokines and chemokines following spinal cord injury. These results provide an exciting new target of minocycline as a therapeutic for central nervous system diseases and injuries. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02123-0.
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Alterations of Dopamine-Related Transcripts in A11 Diencephalospinal Pathways after Spinal Cord Injury. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:8838932. [PMID: 33510781 PMCID: PMC7822663 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8838932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The diencephalic A11 nuclei are the primary source of spinal dopamine (DA). Neurons in this region project to all levels of the spinal cord. Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) often interrupts descending and ascending neuronal pathways and further elicits injury-induced neuronal plasticity. However, it is unknown how A11 neurons and projections respond to SCI-induced axotomy. Based on preliminary observation, we hypothesized that A11 DA-ergic neurons rostral to the lesion site might change their capacity to synthesize DA after SCI. Adult rats received a complete spinal cord transection at the 10th thoracic (T10) level. After 3 or 8 weeks, rostral (T5) and caudal (L1) spinal cord tissue was collected to measure mRNA levels of DA-related genes. Meanwhile, A11 neurons in the brain were explicitly isolated by laser capture microdissection, and single-cell qPCR was employed to evaluate mRNA levels in the soma. Histological analysis was conducted to assess the number of A11 DA-ergic neurons. The results showed that, compared to naïve rats, mRNA levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine decarboxylase (DDC), and D2 receptors in the T5 spinal segment had a transient decrease and subsequent recovery. However, dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH), D1 receptors, and DA-associated transcription factors did not change following SCI. Furthermore, axon degeneration below the lesion substantially reduced mRNA levels of TH and D2 in the L1 spinal segment. However, DDC transcript underwent only a temporary decrease. Similar mRNA levels of DA-related enzymes were detected in the A11 neuronal soma between naïve and SCI rats. In addition, immunostaining revealed that the number of A11 DA neurons did not change after SCI, indicating a sustention of capacity to synthesize DA in the neuroplasm. Thus, impaired A11 diencephalospinal pathways following SCI may transiently reduce DA production in the spinal cord rostral to the lesion but not in the brain.
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Ifenprodil rapidly ameliorates depressive-like behaviors, activates mTOR signaling and modulates proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of CUMS rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1421-1433. [PMID: 32130432 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05469-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The rapid-onset and long-lasting antidepressant properties of ketamine have prompted investigations into a variety of agents that target N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). According to the literature, ifenprodil (a GluN2B-containing NMDAR antagonist) can potentiate the antidepressant-like effects of certain antidepressant drugs in mice. Here, we report that a single injection of ifenprodil (3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) was sufficient to provoke rapid antidepressant-like effects in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats. Moreover, ifenprodil activated mTOR signaling and reversed the CUMS-induced elevation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the hippocampus after acute administration. Unfortunately, in our study, ifenprodil had no influence on corticosterone levels in the plasma. Our data indicate that ifenprodil per se might exert antidepressant-like effects by modulating neuroplasticity and inflammatory processes rather than the typical hormonal factors affected by stressors. OBJECTIVES To explore the potential rapid antidepressant-like effects and mechanisms of ifenprodil, a GluN2B subunit-selective NMDAR antagonist. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in 3 separate experiments. In experiment 1, we used the forced swim test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT) to identify the rapid antidepressant-like effects of ifenprodil in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats after acute administration. In experiment 2, we assessed neurochemical changes involved in synaptic plasticity within the hippocampus of CUMS rats. In experiment 3, we assessed the levels of corticosterone in the plasma and proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus in CUMS rats after ifenprodil treatment. RESULTS Ifenprodil rapidly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors in the FST and SPT, activated mTOR signaling, dephosphorylated eukaryotic elongation factor 2, enhanced BDNF expression, and promoted the synthesis of the synaptic protein GluA1 synthesis after acute administration. Moreover, ifenprodil reversed the CUMS-induced elevation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the hippocampus after acute administration. Unfortunately, ifenprodil had no influence on corticosterone levels in the plasma in our study. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that ifenprodil per se might exert antidepressant-like effects through its effects on neuroplasticity and inflammatory processes rather than the typical hormonal factors affected by stressors.
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Zhang Z, Deng T, Wu M, Zhu A, Zhu G. Botanicals as modulators of depression and mechanisms involved. Chin Med 2019; 14:24. [PMID: 31338119 PMCID: PMC6628492 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0246-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is the most disastrous mood disorder affecting the health of individuals. Conventional treatments with chemical compounds for depression have limitations, while herbal medicine has unique therapeutic effects. This paper introduces the pharmacological basis and biological mechanisms underlying the botanical antidepressants over the past 5 years. Based upon the specific therapeutic targets or mechanisms, we analyzed the pathological roles of monoamine neurotransmitters, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inflammation, oxidative stress, synaptic plasticity performed in antidepressant of the botanicals. In addition, gut flora and neurogenesis were also preferentially discussed as treatment approaches. Based on the complex pathogenesis of depression, we suggested that mixed use of botanicals, namely prescription would be more suitable for treatment of depression. In addition, neural circuit affected by botanicals or active components should also attract attention as the botanicals have potential to be developed into fast-acting antidepressants. Finally, gut flora might be a new systemic target for the treatment of depression by botanicals. This review would strength botanical medicine as the antidepressant and also provides an overview of the potential mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Xin’an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Meishan Road 103, Hefei, 230038 China
| | - Taomei Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038 China
| | - Manli Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038 China
| | - Aisong Zhu
- College of Basic Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Xin’an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Meishan Road 103, Hefei, 230038 China
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