Possible connections among job stress, depressive symptoms, lipid modulation and antioxidants

Intestinal Metabolism of Crocin and a Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Study in the Chronic Social Defeat Stress Mouse Model

Orally administered crocin rapidly and efficiently rescues depressive-like behaviors in depression models; however, crocin levels in the circulatory and central nervous systems are rather low. The underlying mechanism responsible for the inconsistency between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is unknown. To identify the active metabolites and clarify the underlying mechanisms, the pharmacokinetics and metabolic effects of the gut flora and hepatic and intestinal microsomes on crocin were examined, and the pharmacodynamics of crocin and its major metabolite, crocetin, were also evaluated in both normal and pseudo germ-free mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress. The results showed that oral administration of 300 mg/kg crocin significantly improved the depression-like behaviors of chronic social defeat stress mice, although the levels of crocin in the circulatory system were rather low (Cmax = 43.5 ± 8.6 μg/L; AUC = 151 ± 20.8 μg·h/L). However, the primary metabolite of crocetin was much more abundant in vivo (Cmax = 4662.5 ± 586.1 μg/L; AUC = 33,451.9 ± 3323.6 μg·h/L). Orally administered crocin was primarily metabolized into crocetin by the gut flora instead of hepatic or intestinal microsomal enzymes, and less than 10% of crocin was transformed into crocetin in the liver or intestinal microsomes. Inhibition of the gut flora dramatically reduced the production of and in vivo exposure to crocetin, and the rapid antidepressant effect of crocin disappeared. Moreover, crocetin showed rapid antidepressant effects similar to those of crocin, and the effects were independent of the gut flora. In conclusion, the metabolic transformation of crocin to crocetin primarily contributes to the rapid antidepressant effects of crocin and is dependent on the gut flora.

The Role of Water-Soluble Vitamins and Vitamin D in Prevention and Treatment of Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder in Adults

Depression is a major global health concern expected to worsen by 2030. In 2019, 28 million individuals were affected by depressive disorders. Dietary and supplemental vitamins show overall favorable preventative and therapeutic effects on depression. B vitamins are crucial for neurological function and mood regulation. Deficiencies in these vitamins are linked to depression. Studies on individual B vitamins show promise in improving depressive symptoms, particularly thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate. Vitamin C deficiency may heighten depressive symptoms, but its exact role is not fully understood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is associated with insufficient sunlight exposure and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D supplementation for SAD shows inconsistent results due to methodological variations. Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms of vitamins in depression treatment. Moreover, more research on SAD and light therapy's efficacy and underlying mechanisms involving photoreceptors, enzymes, and immune markers is needed. Although dietary and supplemental vitamins show overall favorable preventative and therapeutic effects on depression, dietitians treating psychiatric disorders face challenges due to diverse study designs, making direct comparisons difficult. Therefore, this article reviews the current literature to assess the role of dietary and supplemental vitamins in the prevention and treatment of depression. This review found that, although evidence supports the role of B vitamins and vitamins C and D in preventing and treating depression, further research is needed to clarify their mechanisms of action and determine the most effective intervention strategies.

The Relationship Between Work-Related Stress and Depression: A Scoping Review

Objectives

Work-related stress is highly prevalent. Recent systematic reviews concluded on a significant association between common work-related stress measures and depression. Our scoping review aims to explore whether work-related psychosocial stress is generally associated with depression or depressiveness, the extent and methodology of the primary research undertaken on this topic and to elucidate inconsistencies or gaps in knowledge.

Methods

We searched for literature in Pubmed, PsycInfo and Web of Science including full reports in seven languages published between 1999 and 2022 and applied the PRISMA statement for scoping reviews criteria.

Results

Of 463 primarily identified articles, 125 were retained after abstract and full-text screening. The majority report significant associations between work-related stress and depression. Cross-sectional studies are most prevalent. Sufficient evidence exists only for job strain and effort-reward imbalance. Most studies are from Asia, North America and Europe. The health sector is the most studied. Several research gaps such as the lack of interventional studies were identified.

Conclusion

The consistency of most studies on the significant association between work-related stress and depression is remarkable. More studies are needed to improve evidence and to close research gaps.

ApoE4 dysregulation incites depressive symptoms and mitochondrial impairments in mice

Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is involved in the stress-response processes and is hypothesized to be a risk factor for depression by means of mitochondrial dysfunction. However, their exact roles and underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. ApoE4 transgenic mice (B6. Cg-ApoEtm1Unc Cdh18Tg( GFAP-APOE i4)1Hol /J) were subjected to stress (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) to elucidate the aetiology of ApoE4-induced depression. LPS treatment significantly aggravated depression-like behaviours, concurrent with neuroinflammation and impaired mitochondrial changes, and melatonin/Urolithin A (UA) + 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) reversed these effects in ApoE4 mice. Concurrently, ApoE4 mice exhibited mitophagy deficits, which could be further exacerbated by LPS stimulation, as demonstrated by reduced Atg5, Beclin-1 and Parkin levels, while PINK1 levels were increased. However, these changes were reversed by melatonin treatment. Additionally, proteomic profiling suggested mitochondria-related signalling and network changes in ApoE4 mice, which may underlie the exaggerated response to LPS. Furthermore, HEK 293T cells transfected with ApoE4 showed mitochondria-associated protein and mitophagy defects, including PGC-1α, TFAM, p-AMPKα, PINK1 and LC3B impairments. Additionally, it aggravates mitochondrial impairment (particularly mitophagy), which can be attenuated by triggering autophagy. Collectively, ApoE4 dysregulation enhanced depressive behaviour upon LPS stimulation.

Influence of Occupational Stress on the Body Mass Index of Hospital Workers: A Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to identify the influence of occupational stress on the body mass index of hospital workers. After registering the protocol at PROSPERO (CRD42022331846), we started this systematic review following a search in seven databases, gray literature, as well as manual search and contact with specialists. The selection of studies was performed independently by two evaluators following the inclusion criteria: observational studies evaluating adult hospital workers, in which occupational stress was considered exposure and body composition as a result. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklist. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation to grade the certainty of the evidence. Qualitative results were presented and synthesized through a qualitative approach, with simplified information in a narrative form. A total of 12 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. This review comprised 10,885 workers (2312 men; 1582 women; and 6991 workers whose gender was not identified). Ten studies were carried out only with health workers, and two included workers from other sectors besides health workers. This review showed a relationship between occupational stress and changes in body mass index in hospital workers. However, most studies presented a moderate or high risk of bias and low quality of the evidence. These findings can be useful for clinical practice, administrators and leaders and provide insights for future research in the field of worker health in the hospital setting.

Major Depressive Disorder and Oxidative Stress: A Review of Peripheral and Genetic Biomarkers According to Clinical Characteristics and Disease Stages

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is currently the main cause of disability worldwide, but its pathophysiology remains largely unknown, especially given its high heterogeneity in terms of clinical phenotypes and biological characteristics. Accordingly, its management is still poor. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress, measured on various matrices such as serum, plasma or erythrocytes, has a critical role in MDD. The aim of this narrative review is to identify serum, plasma and erythrocyte biomarkers of oxidative stress in MDD patients according to disease stage and clinical features. Sixty-three articles referenced on PubMed and Embase between 1 January 1991, and 31 December 2022, were included. Modifications to antioxidant enzymes (mainly glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in MDD were highlighted. Non-enzymatic antioxidants (mainly uric acid) were decreased in depressed patients compared to healthy controls. These changes were associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species. Therefore, increased oxidative damage products (principally malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl content and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) were present in MDD patients. Specific modifications could be identified according to disease stages and clinical features. Interestingly, antidepressant treatment corrected these changes. Accordingly, in patients in remission from depression, oxidative stress markers were globally normalized. This narrative review suggests the particular interest of oxidative stress biomarkers for MDD care that may contribute to the heterogeneity of the disease and provide the opportunity to find new therapeutic targets.

Usage of the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire: A Systematic Review of a Comprehensive Job Stress Questionnaire in Japan from 2003 to 2021

The Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) is used widely in occupational health studies and practice. Summarizing scientific production based on measurement is crucial. This study aimed to systematically review observational studies that used the BJSQ and the New BJSQ to show their usability. A systematic search was conducted for studies investigating relationships between the BJSQ or the New BJSQ subscales and other validated measurements on 13 September 2021, in various literature databases. The BJSQ subscales, scoring methods, and other validated measurements in the studies were qualitatively summarized. In total, 145 published reports between 2003 and 2021 were included. Among the BJSQ subscales, job stressors (n = 95) such as quantitative job overload (n = 65) and job control (n = 64) were most often used. The subscales were utilized to investigate the relationships with several other measurements. Five reports used subscales from the New BJSQ. In the last two decades, the BJSQ and the New BJSQ help measure psychosocial factors (PF) at work and contribute to the publication of scientific papers in the occupational health field. This study would encourage the utilization of the questionnaires for future research and practice.

Potential Antioxidant Activity of Apigenin in the Obviating Stress-Mediated Depressive Symptoms of Experimental Mice

This study aimed to examine the antidepressant properties of apigenin in an experimental mouse model of chronic mild stress (CMS). Three weeks following CMS, albino mice of either sex were tested for their antidepressant effects using the tail suspension test (TST) and the sucrose preference test. The percentage preference for sucrose solution and the amount of time spent immobile in the TST were calculated. The brain malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, catalase activity, and reduced glutathione levels were checked to determine the antioxidant potential of treatments. When compared to the control, animals treated with apigenin during the CMS periods showed significantly shorter TST immobility times. Apigenin administration raised the percentage preference for sucrose solution in a dose-dependent manner, which put it on par with the widely used antidepressant imipramine. Animals treated with apigenin displayed a significantly (p ˂ 0.05) greater spontaneous locomotor count (281) when compared to the vehicle-treated group (245). Apigenin was also highly effective in significantly (p ˂ 0.01) lowering plasma corticosterone levels (17 vs. 28 µg/mL) and nitrite (19 vs. 33 µg/mL) produced by CMS in comparison to the control group. During CMS, a high dose (50 mg/kg) of apigenin was given, which greatly increased the reduced glutathione level while significantly decreasing the brain's MDA and catalase activity when compared to the control group. As a result, we infer that high doses of apigenin may have potential antidepressant effects in animal models via various mechanisms.

Autoantibodies Against ROS-Human Serum Albumin-A Potent Immunological marker in Depressed Individuals with Smoking History

Background: Depression is one of the significant problems in adults that accounts for up to five percent of cases worldwide.

Methods: Volunteers were divided into eight groups, and their serum samples were tested for FBG, carbonyl contents, IFN-γ and TNF-α. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) modified human serum albumin (HSA) (ROSHSA) was used as an antigen and levels of serum autoantibodies were estimated by direct binding and inhibition ELISA in all subjects.

Results: Significant biophysical structural modifications were observed in ROS-HSA with increased carbonyl contents compared to native-HSA (N-HSA). Significantly high levels of carbonyl content (2.68 ± 0.33 nmol/mg protein; p > 0.001) and pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ (7.4 ± 0.61 pg/ml; p > 0.001) and TNF-α (1.47 ± 0.23 pg/ml; p > 0.001) were detected in serum samples from F-D-S. Similarly, a high level of autoantibodies against ROS-HSA was observed in females who were depressed and smokers (F-D-S) group (0.89 ± 0.07; p > 0.001) compared to males who were both depressed and smokers (M-D-S) (0.66 ± 0.049). Furthermore, inhibition ELISA results exhibited high recognition of serum autoantibodies from F-D-S subjects (78.6 ± 5.7 mean maximum percentage inhibition MMPI) compared to M-D-S (58.8 ± 5.2 MMPI) subjects.

Conclusion: Incoherence, long term unchecked chronic psychological stress may cause oxidation of blood proteins, which subsequently result in structural alterations of biomolecules, thus generating new-epitopes, capable of inducing autoantibodies specific for ROS-modified proteins. These autoantibodies may be a potential marker for subjects suffering from depression to understand the state of immune imbalance.

Antidepressant Effect of Crocin in Mice with Chronic Mild Stress

This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant property of crocin (Crocetin digentiobiose ester) using a chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced depression model in experimental mice. The tail suspension test (TST) and the sucrose preference test were used to evaluate the antidepressant effect on albino mice of either sex after three weeks of CMS. The period of immobility in the TST and percentage preference for sucrose solution were recorded. By monitoring brain malondialdehyde (MDA) level, catalase (CAT) activity, and reduced glutathione (GSH) level, the antioxidant potential was assessed. Three dosages of crocin (4.84, 9.69, and 19.38 mg/kg) were evaluated. When compared to controls, animals that received crocin administration during three periods of CMS had considerably shorter immobility times during the TST. Crocin treatment also raised the percentage preference for sucrose solution in a dose-dependent manner, bringing it to parity with the conventional antidepressant, imipramine. Animals that received a high dose of crocin had a much greater spontaneous locomotor activity. Furthermore, a high dose of crocin remarkably lowered plasma corticosterone and nitrite levels brought on by CMS. Additionally, high doses of crocin given during CMS greatly enhanced reduced glutathione levels while considerably reducing the brain’s MDA and catalase activities. In conclusion, high doses of crocin may have an antidepressant effect in an animal model through several mechanisms. However, further studies should be carried out to explore the role of neurotransmitters for their antidepressant property.

Association Between Increased Lipid Profiles and Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy in a Population-Based Case-Control Study

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the association between lipid profiles and diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Patients and Methods

This case-control study, which was conducted between November 2019 and August 2021, comprised 309 patients with DR, 186 patients with diabetes mellitus, and 172 healthy controls. Serum cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TRIG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), small dense LDL-C (SDLDL-C), apolipoprotein A (APOA), APOB, APOE and lipoprotein (a)(LPA) levels were assessed. Patients were divided into two groups according to median age and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between lipid levels and DR.

Results

CHOL, TRIG, HDL-C, APOB, APOE, and SDLDL-C levels were significantly higher in the DR group than in the healthy control group, and TRIG levels were lower in the DR group than in the DM group (P < 0.05), especially in the ≤57-year-old and the HbA1c ≤7.2% subgroups. Linear regression analyses showed that CHOL, TRIG, APOA, APOB, APOE, and SDLDL-C levels were associated with HbA1c levels. Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that CHOL (odds ratio [OR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.112–1.566), TRIG (OR = 1.269, 95% CI = 1.030–1.563), HDL-C (OR = 43.744, 95% CI = 17.12–111.769), APOB (OR = 7.037, 95% CI = 3.370–14.695), APOE (OR = 1.057, 95% CI = 1.038–1.077), and SDLDL-C (OR = 14.719, 95% CI = 8.304–26.088) levels were risk factors for DR (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased lipid levels were risk factors for DR, and lipid level control should be strengthened, especially in younger adults or in patients with HbA1c ≤7.2%.

Psychological distress and its influencing factors among psychiatric nurses in China: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric nurses often face abuse, attacks, escape, suicides, and other situations related to the care of patients with mental disorders, which are more likely to induce psychological distress.

AIMS

This study aimed to examine the relationship between coping styles and psychological distress among Chinese psychiatric nurses in Shandong and the significance of sleep quality as a mediating factor.

METHODS

A total of 812 psychiatric nurses in Shandong, China, were investigated using the Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and self-compiled general information questionnaire.

RESULTS

Psychological distress was detected in 571 psychiatric nurses (70.3%). The psychological distress of psychiatric nurses was significantly different with respect to professional title (χ² = 10.627, P < 0.05) and shift work (χ² = 9.120, P < 0.01). Psychological distress positively correlated with negative coping style (r = 0.266, P < 0.01) and sleep quality (PSQIT) (r = 0.532, P < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between psychological distress and all dimensions of sleep quality (r = 0.158-0.456, P < 0.05). Professional title, positive coping style, negative coping style, sleep quality (PSQIT), subjective sleep quality, sleep disorder and daytime dysfunction predicted psychological distress in psychiatric nurses (R ² = 0.363, F = 65.343, P < 0.01). The relationship between negative coping style and psychological distress was partially mediated by sleep quality, with the mediating effect accounting for 37.97% of the total effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric nurses have a high rate of psychological distress, which is closely related to coping styles, and sleep quality has a certain regulatory effect.

Deciphering the CNS anti-depressant, antioxidant and cytotoxic profiling of methanol and aqueous extracts of Trametes versicolor and molecular interactions of its phenolic compounds

The present study sought to evaluate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity activity of methanol and aqueous extract of Trametes versicolor (METV and AETV). The CNS activity was assessed by the open field, hole-cross, forced swimming, thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time, hole-board, and rotarod tests in Swiss albino mice. For both extracts, a substantial decrease in locomotion was observed in open field and hole-cross tests. In addition, the molecular docking study has been implemented through Maestro V11.1. The higher dose of METV (400 mg/kg) and the lower dose of AETV (200 mg/kg) exhibited a significant decrease in immobility time in forced swimming test and increased prolongation of sleep in thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time test, respectively. In contrast, a moderate finding was observed for the hole-board and rotarod tests. Additionally, a significant DPPH scavenging assay and a high toxicity effect in brine shrimp lethality assay were observed. Besides, five phenolic compounds, namely baicalin, quercetin, catechin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and quinic acid, were used for the molecular docking study, whereas catechin demonstrated the highest binding affinity towards the targets. The findings conclude that the T. versicolor could be an alternative source for CNS anti-depressant and antioxidant activity.

Associations of work-related stress and total sleep time with cholesterol levels in an occupational cohort of Japanese office workers

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the associations of total sleep time (TST) and occupational stress based on the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) with cholesterol levels in an occupational cohort of Japanese office workers.

METHODS

The present study is a secondary analysis of a subset of participants from a randomized controlled trial. Participants were 179 employees from 5 companies in Tokyo who participated as the intervention group in a 3-month lifestyle intervention study among office workers with metabolic syndrome or at risk of metabolic syndrome. All intervention-group participants used a mobile app and a wearable device. The final population for analysis in the present study were 173 participants. Cholesterol measures were derived from participants' annual health check-up data in the fiscal year preceding their inclusion in the study. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the association between exposures and outcome.

RESULTS

Overall, stress levels were significantly and inversely associated with LDL-C (-7.12 mg/dl; 95% CI: -11.78, -2.45) and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (-0.16 mg/dl; 95% CI: -0.27, -0.04) per standard deviation increase. Compared to average TST 5.9-7.2 hours, average TST of 4.0-5.3 hours (-4.82 mg/dl; 95% CI: -9.22, -0.43) was inversely associated with HDL-C.

CONCLUSION

Incremental increases of stress were significantly and inversely associated with LDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. The shortest average TST was inversely associated with HDL-C. The results should be interpreted with care given certain methodological limitations.

Changes in Affective Behavior and Oxidative Stress after Binge Alcohol in Male and Female Rats

Binge alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders (AUD) are prevalent, and there is comorbidity with depression and anxiety. Potential underlying mechanisms include neurophysiological, genetic, and metabolic changes resulting from alcohol exposure. Mood and anxiety disorders are more common among women, but whether females are more susceptible to binge-induced oxidative stress and co-occurring anxiety and depression-like behaviors remains unknown. Here, we used a repeated, weekly binge alcohol paradigm in male and female rats to investigate sex differences in despair and anxiety-like behaviors and brain oxidative stress parameters. A single binge alcohol exposure significantly elevated glutathione (GSH) levels in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of both male and female animals. This was accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation in PFC of both sexes. Repeated (once weekly) binge exposure induced changes in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in both males and females and increased GSH level in the PFC without detectable oxidative damage. Our findings suggest that repeated binge alcohol exposure influences affect regardless of sex and in the absence of membrane damage.

Validation of the Japanese Version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised: A Preliminary Analysis

To make the Japanese version of the CESD-R—a revised version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CES-D)—in the assessment of depressive symptoms in a general population. The English version of CESD-R was translated into Japanese, and back-translated into English by three native speakers of Japanese and English; then, we selected the version most completely consistent with the original items. The CESD-R was applied to 398 community-dwelling people (191 men: 48.0%, and 207 women: 52.0%) who were over 40 years old. The Japanese version of the CES-D was also carried out in the same population. Factor analysis was performed. Additionally, the correlations between the CESD-R and CES-D results were identified. The CESD-R scores showed a significantly positive correlation with CES-D scores (r = 0.74, p < 0.0005). Analysis of the CESD-R yielded a Cronbach’s alpha result of 0.90. Factor analysis revealed one principal factor in the CESD-R, whereas the original CES-D had two factors because of reversed items. The Japanese version of the CESD-R appears to have the reliability to be applicable for assessing depressive symptoms in population-based samples. However, because the Japanese expressions for some items might be unusual, our study population was also limited; further studies on other populations and on incorporating improved Japanese terminology will be needed.

Investigating the relationship between job stress, workload and oxidative stress in nurses

Objectives. Occupational stress and workload are common risk factors among nurses that increase absenteeism, reduce the quality and quantity of patient care, increase care costs and increase the patient safety risk. The relation between these risk factors and oxidative stress levels has not been clearly defined. Methods. This study was conducted with 258 participants (126 nurses as the case group and 132 healthy adults as the control group). Information was collected using a demographic questionnaire, the nurses' occupational stress scale and the NASA task load index workload questionnaire. Blood samples were taken from the participants and then the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in the serum samples. Independent t tests and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results. SOD and TAC were significantly higher and MDA was significantly lower among the case group compared to the control group. TAC levels significantly decreased with increased stress. MDA levels showed negative associations with stress and workload. Nurses experience high levels of occupational stress and workload. Conclusion. Biomarkers such as SOD, TAC and MDA are the most important predictors of work stress and overwork in this study.

Psychological Health, Well-Being, and the Mind-Heart-Body Connection: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

As clinicians delivering health care, we are very good at treating disease but often not as good at treating the person. The focus of our attention has been on the specific physical condition rather than the patient as a whole. Less attention has been given to psychological health and how that can contribute to physical health and disease. However, there is now an increasing appreciation of how psychological health can contribute not only in a negative way to cardiovascular disease (CVD) but also in a positive way to better cardiovascular health and reduced cardiovascular risk. This American Heart Association scientific statement was commissioned to evaluate, synthesize, and summarize for the health care community knowledge to date on the relationship between psychological health and cardiovascular health and disease and to suggest simple steps to screen for, and ultimately improve, the psychological health of patients with and at risk for CVD. Based on current study data, the following statements can be made: There are good data showing clear associations between psychological health and CVD and risk; there is increasing evidence that psychological health may be causally linked to biological processes and behaviors that contribute to and cause CVD; the preponderance of data suggest that interventions to improve psychological health can have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health; simple screening measures can be used by health care providers for patients with or at risk for CVD to assess psychological health status; and consideration of psychological health is advisable in the evaluation and management of patients with or at risk for CVD.

Vitamin E for the management of major depressive disorder: possible role of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant systems

OBJECTIVES

Vitamin E has various functions in humans, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-atherogenic actions, as well as direct effects on enzymatic activities and modulation of gene transcription. In addition to these functions, vitamin E is also important for the central nervous system, and its role in the prevention and/or treatment of some neurological diseases has been suggested. In particular, the role of vitamin E in the modulation of major depressive disorder (MDD) is an issue that has emerged in recent studies. Many factors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of this disorder, including inflammation, oxidative, and nitrosative stress.

METHODS

This narrative review discusses the involvement of inflammation, oxidative, and nitrosative stress in the pathophysiology of MDD and presents clinical and preclinical studies that correlate vitamin E with this psychiatric disorder.

RESULTS

We gathered evidence from clinical studies that demonstrated the relationship between low vitamin E status and MDD symptoms. Vitamin E has been reported to exert a beneficial influence on the oxidative and inflammatory status of individuals, factors that may account for the attenuation of depressive symptoms. Preclinical studies have reinforced the antidepressant-like response of vitamin E, and the mechanisms underlying its effect seem to be related to the modulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that vitamin E has potential to be used as an adjuvant for the management of MDD, but more studies are clearly needed to ascertain the efficacy of vitamin E for alleviating depressive symptoms.

The role of vitamin C in stress-related disorders

Stress-related disorders, such as depression and anxiety, present marked deficits in behavioral and cognitive functions related to reward. These are highly prevalent disabling conditions with high social and economic costs. Furthermore, a significant percentage of affected individuals cannot benefit from clinical intervention, opening space for new treatments. Although the literature data have reported limited and variable results regarding oxidative stress-related endpoints in stress-related disorders, the possible neuroprotective effect of antioxidant compounds, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), emerges as a possible therapy strategy for psychiatric diseases. Here, we briefly present background information on biological activity of ascorbic acid, particularly functions related to the CNS homeostasis. Additionaly, we reviewed the available information on the role of ascorbic acid in stress-related diseases, focusing on supplementation and depletion studies. The vitamin C deficiency is widely associated to stress-related diseases. Although the efficacy of this vitamin in anxiety spectrum disorders is less stablished, several studies showed that ascorbic acid supplementation produces antidepressant effect and improves mood. Interestingly, the modulation of monoaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems is postulated as pivotal target for the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of this vitamin. Given that ascorbic acid supplementation produces fast therapeutic response with low toxicity and high tolerance, it can be considered as a putative candidate for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, especially those that are refractory to current treatments. Herein, the literature was reviewed considering the potential use of ascorbic acid as an adjuvant in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Determination of oxidative stress parameters in fluoxetine users

Fluoxetine (FLU), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is the first line in depression treatment and it is involved in oxidative stress (OE). Thus, this study aimed to analyze the OE parameters in patients diagnosed with depression and treated with FLU. Were evaluated 121 volunteers divided into two groups: 58 fluoxetine users (with major depression) and 63 non-fluoxetine users (control group, without major depression). The OE was evaluated by determining the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant power (FRAP) and activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). MDA, FRAP, GPx and SOD were dosed in plasma. The influence of age, smoking, alcoholism, comorbidities, use of another drugs and antioxidants in the OE were evaluated. The results were compared between the groups. In relation to the fluoxetine daily dose, MDA presented higher levels in patients using 20 mg daily FLU when compared to the control group, as well as the activity of the GPx enzyme and the FRAP levels. In this way, the use of fluoxetine may interfere with the OE parameters, causing an increase in OE levels.

Serum IL-6 levels and oxidation rate of LDL cholesterol were related to depressive symptoms independent of omega-3 fatty acids among female hospital and nursing home workers in Japan

BACKGROUND

Chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are commonly observed in persons with depression or depressive symptoms. We explored the degree of depressive symptoms under psychological stress in relation to serum LDL oxidation, inflammatory markers, and fatty acid (FA) distribution among female population. The purpose of this study was to identify peripheral factors that are related to depressive symptoms, and to assess how each factor is related to depressive symptoms.

METHODS

133 female workers in a hospital and nursing homes were recruited in Japan. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Japanese version of the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and perceived stress was assessed using the visual analogue scale. Cytokine levels and oxidation rate of LDL cholesterol (ox-LDL/LDL) were measured as indices of inflammation and oxidation. Omega-3 FA distribution was also measured. Path analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to determine if each factor was predictive of depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

It was identified that serum ox-LDL/LDL was positively connected with depressive symptoms, but was more strongly related to perceived psychological stress. Elevated serum IL-6 was positively correlated with depressive symptoms, though the effect was partly transmitted via ox-LDL/LDL. Additionally, serum ω3 PUFAs were inversely associated with depressive symptoms independently of IL-6 or ox-LDL/LDL.

CONCLUSION

Although this study is unlikely to fully explain the causes of depressive symptoms, it suggests that psychological stress and somatic factors such as inflammation, oxidation and nutrition are related to depressive symptoms. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of lifestyle targets to alleviate the identified depression risk factors, anti-oxidative therapies, anti-inflammatory therapies and nutritional interventions to prevent depression.

Development of a Novel Staging Model for Affective Disorders Using Partial Least Squares Bootstrapping: Effects of Lipid-Associated Antioxidant Defenses and Neuro-Oxidative Stress

Although, staging models gained momentum to stage define affective disorders, no attempts were made to construct mathematical staging models using clinical and biomarker data in patients with major depression and bipolar disorder. The aims of this study were to use clinical and biomarker data to construct statistically derived staging models, which are associated with early lifetime traumata (ELTs), affective phenomenology, and biomarkers. In the current study, 172 subjects participated, 105 with affective disorders (both bipolar and unipolar) and 67 controls. Staging scores were computed by extracting latent vectors (LVs) from clinical data including ELTs, recurring flare ups and suicidal behaviors, outcome data such as disabilities and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), and paraoxonase (PON)1 actvities and nitro-oxidative stress biomarkers. Recurrence of episodes and suicidal behaviors could reliably be combined into a LV with adequate composite reliability (the "recurrence LV"), which was associated with female sex, the combined effects of multiple ELTs, disabilities, HR-QoL, and impairments in cognitive tests. All those factors could be combined into a reliable "ELT-staging LV" which was significantly associated with nitro-oxidative stress biomarkers. A reliable LV could be extracted from serum PON1 activities, recurrent flare ups, disabilities, and HR-QoL. Our ELT-staging index scores the severity of a relevant affective dimension, shared by both major depression and bipolar disorder, namely the trajectory from ELTs, a relapsing course, and suicidal behaviors to progressive disabilities. Patients were classified into three stages, namely an early stage, a relapse-regression stage, and a suicidal-regression stage. Lowered lipid-associated antioxidant defenses may be a drug target to prevent the transition from the early to the later regression stages.

Early Life Trauma Predicts Affective Phenomenology and the Effects are Partly Mediated by Staging Coupled with Lowered Lipid-Associated Antioxidant Defences

Background Early life trauma (ELT) may drive mood disorder phenomenology, nitro-oxidative pathways and impairments in semantic memory. There are no data regarding the impact of ELT on affective phenomenology and whether these pathways are mediated by staging or lowered lipid-associated antioxidant defences. Methods This study examined healthy controls (n=54) and patients with affective disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders (n=118). ELT was assessed using the Child Trauma Questionnaire. In addition, we measured affective phenomenology and assayed advanced oxidation protein products; malondialdehyde, paraoxonase 1 (CMPAase) activity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Results ELT was associated into with increased risk for mood and comorbid anxiety disorders and a more severe phenomenology, including staging characteristics, depression and anxiety severity, suicidal behaviours, type of treatments, disabilities, body mass index, smoking behaviour and hsCRP, as well as lowered health-related quality of life, antioxidant defences and semantic memory. The number of mood episodes and CMPAase/HDL-cholesterol levels could be reliably combined into a new vulnerability staging-biomarker index, which mediates in part the effects of ELT on affective phenomenology and oxidative stress. Moreover, the effects of female sex on mood disorders and affective phenomenology are mediated by ELT. Discussion The cumulative effects of different ELT drive many aspects of affective phenomenology either directly or indirectly through effects of staging and/or lipid-associated antioxidant defences. The results show that children, especially girls, with ELT are at great risk to develop mood disorders and more severe phenotypes of affective disorders.

In major affective disorders, early life trauma predict increased nitro-oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation and recurrence of major affective disorders, suicidal behaviors and a lowered quality of life

Early life trauma (ELT) may increase the risk towards bipolar disorder (BD) and major depression (MDD), disorders associated with activated neuro-oxidative and neuro-nitrosative stress (O&NS) pathways. It has remained elusive whether ELTs are associated with O&NS and which ELTs are associated with distinct affective disorder phenotypes. This case-control study examined patients with BD (n = 68) and MDD (n = 37) and healthy controls (n = 66). The Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used to assess specific ELT. We measured malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP); NO metabolites (NOx), paraoxonase 1 activity, zinc, albumin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and -SH groups and computed z-unit weighted composite scores. Physical neglect significantly predicts higher z-unit weighted composite scores of LOOH+SOD, LOOH+SOD+NOx, LOOH+SOD+NOx + MDA and LOOH+SOD+NOx + AOPP. Sexual abuse was associated with a significantly lower composite score of zinc+albumin+SH. Emotional abuse was associated with severity of depression and anxiety, number of depressive and manic episodes, alcohol and hypnotics use, lifetime suicidal behavior and lowered quality of life. Sexual abuse was associated with an increased risk towards BD, but not MDD. ELT, especially physical neglect, may drive increased (nitro-)oxidative stress coupled with lipid and protein oxidation, which - together with emotional abuse - may play a role in severity of illness, lowered quality of life and MDD. ELTs are also associated with the onset of BD, but this link did not appear to be related to activated O&NS pathways. These novel findings deserve confirmation in prospective studies.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Comorbid Major Depression with GAD Are Characterized by Enhanced Nitro-oxidative Stress, Increased Lipid Peroxidation, and Lowered Lipid-Associated Antioxidant Defenses

Accumulating evidence shows that nitro-oxidative pathways play an important role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and maybe anxiety disorders. The current study aims to examine superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase, lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and uric acid (UA) in participants with and without generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) co-occurring or not with BD, MDD, or tobacco use disorder. Z unit-weighted composite scores were computed as indices of nitro-oxidative stress driving lipid and protein oxidation. SOD1, LOOH, NOx, and uric acid were significantly higher and HDL and PON1 significantly lower in participants with GAD than in those without GAD. GAD was more adequately predicted by increased SOD + LOOH + NOx and lowered HDL + PON1 composite scores. Composite scores of nitro-oxidative stress coupled with aldehyde and AOPP production were significantly increased in participants with comorbid GAD + MDD as compared with all other study groups, namely MDD, GAD + BD, BD, GAD, and healthy controls. In conclusion, GAD is characterized by increased nitro-oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation and lowered lipid-associated antioxidant defenses, while increased uric acid levels in GAD may protect against aldehyde production and protein oxidation. This study suggests that increased nitro-oxidative stress and especially increased SOD1 activity, NO production, and lipid peroxidation as well as lowered HDL-cholesterol and PON1 activity could be novel drug targets for GAD especially when comorbid with MDD.

Anxiolytic effect of anacardic acids from cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell in mice

Antianxiety drugs currently in use are associated with a number of serious side effects. Present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of anacardic acids (AAs) isolated from cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) shell liquid (CNSL) to treat anxiety as well as its role in oxidative stress in mice model. Anxiolytic effect of AA was evaluated using rota-rod and a set of behavioral tests in male Swiss albino mice at the doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg. Flumazenil was used to evaluate the possible involvement of GABAergic system in the mechanism of action of AA. The effect of AA on oxidative stress in mice was evaluated by determining the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione, and catalase (CAT) activity. The detection of DNA damage of the treated animals was performed using alkaline comet test in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of the animals. The results demonstrated that AA did not produce myorelaxant and sedative effects, nor did it cause a decrease in locomotor activity. The anxiolytic effect of AA was well-evident in all tests, especially at higher dose levels (25 and 50 mg/mg). Flumazenil reversed the anxiolytic effect of AA at all doses. In addition, AA reduced oxidative stress by decreasing the concentration of MDA and increasing the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and CAT activity. Statistical analysis by Pearson's correlation indicated a positive correlation between anxiolytic effect of AA to its antioxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity. Furthermore, increased CAT activity and GSH concentrations in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of mice was also complementary to the reduced genotoxic damage observed in the study. In comet assay, AA did not increase in DNA damage. In conclusion, the results supported that AA possesses GABA_A receptor mediated anxiolytic activity with the lack of myorelaxation and genotoxicity. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(5):420-431, 2018.

Are there differences in lipid peroxidation and immune biomarkers between major depression and bipolar disorder: Effects of melancholia, atypical depression, severity of illness, episode number, suicidal ideation and prior suicide attempts

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that major depression (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are accompanied by activated immune & oxidative (I&O) pathways.

METHODS

To compare I&O biomarkers between MDD and BD we assessed serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; a lipid peroxidation marker), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), sIL-6R, IL-α, sIL-1R antagonist (sIL-1RA), tumor necrosis factor receptor 60kDa/80kDa (sTNFR60/R80) in 114 MDD and 133 BD patients, and 50 healthy controls. We computed z-unit weighted indices reflecting the 5 cytokine receptor levels (zCytR), cell-mediated immunity (zCMI) and I&O pathways (zCMI+TBARS).

RESULTS

There are no significant differences in biomarkers between MDD and BD. BD/MDD with atypical features is characterized by increased sIL-6R and TBARS, whereas melancholia is associated with higher TBARS and lower sTNFR60 levels. Severity of illness, as measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, is correlated with increased sIL-6R, sTNFR80, TBARS, zCytR and zCMI+TBARS. The number of episodes the year prior to blood sampling is positively associated with sTNFR80, TBARS, zCMI, zCMI+TBARS, while number of hospitalizations is positively associated with sIL-1RA. Prior suicidal attempts are associated with increased sIL-1RA, IL-1α, zCMI, TBARS and zCMI+TBARS, while TBARS is associated with current suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

There are no I&O biomarker differences between MDD and BD. Atypical depression is associated with increased IL-6 trans-signaling and lipid peroxidation. Severity of depression, number of episodes and suicidal attempts are associated with activated I&O pathways. Increased TBARS is the single best predictor of BD/MDD, atypical depression, melancholia and current suicidal ideation.

Therapeutic potential of silymarin in chronic unpredictable mild stress induced depressive-like behavior in mice

Silymarin, a plant-derived polyphenolic flavonoid of Silybum marianum, elicited significant antidepressant-like activity in an acute restraint stress model of depression. It improved monoamines, mainly 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in the cortex, dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) in the cerebellum in mice. The present study was undertaken to explore the antidepressant potential of silymarin in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depressive-like behavior in mice, and to find out its probable mechanism(s) of action, mainly neurogenesis, neuroinflammation, and/or oxidative stress. The mice were subjected to CUMS for 28 days (4 weeks) and administered with silymarin (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), or fluoxetine or vehicle from days 8 to 28 (3 weeks simultaneously). Animals were evaluated for behavioral changes, such as anhedonia by sucrose preference test, behavioral despair by forced swim test, and exploratory behaviors by an open field test. In addition, neurobiochemical alterations, mainly monoamines, 5-HT, NE, DA, neurotrophic factor BDNF, and cytokines, IL-6, TNF-α, oxidant-antioxidant parameters by determining the malondialdehyde formation (an index of lipid peroxidation process), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in hippocampus and cerebral cortex along with serum corticosterone were investigated. Our findings reveal that mice subjected to CUMS exhibited lower sucrose preference, increase immobility time without affecting general locomotion of the animals, and reduce BDNF, 5-HT, NE, and DA level, increased serum corticosterone, IL-6 and TNF-α along with an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Silymarin significantly reversed the CUMS-induced changes in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in mice. Thus, the possible mechanism involved in the antidepressant-like activity of silymarin is correlated to the alleviation of monoaminergic, neurogenesis (enhancing 5-HT, NE, and BDNF levels), and attenuation of inflammatory cytokines system and oxidative stress by modulation of corticosterone response, restoration of antioxidant defense system in cerebral cortex and hippocampus.

Add-on Treatment with Curcumin Has Antidepressive Effects in Thai Patients with Major Depression: Results of a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Activation of immune-inflammatory and oxidative-nitrosative (IO&NS) stress pathways plays a role in major depression (MDD). Evidence suggests that curcumin (500-1000 mg/day), a polyphenol with strong anti-IO&NS properties, may have efficacy either as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment for depression. Further controlled trials with extended treatment periods (> 8 weeks) and higher curcumin doses are warranted. This 12-week study was carried out to examine the effects of adjunctive curcumin for the treatment of MDD. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 65 participants with MDD were randomized to receive either adjunctive curcumin (increasing dose from 500 to 1500 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Four weeks after the active treatment phase, a follow-up visit was conducted at week 16. Assessments of the primary, i.e., the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and secondary, i.e., the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), outcome measures were rated at baseline and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks later. Curcumin was more efficacious than placebo in improving MADRS scores with significant differences between curcumin and placebo emerging at weeks 12 and 16. The effects of curcumin were more pronounced in males compared to females. There were no statistically significant treatment-emerging adverse effects and no significant effects of curcumin on blood chemistry and ECG measurements. Adjunctive curcumin has significant antidepressant effects in participants with MDD as evidenced by significant benefits occurring 12 and 16 weeks after treatment initiation. Curcumin administration was safe and well-tolerated even when combined with antidepressants. Future trials should include treatment-by-sex interactions to examine putative antidepressant effects of immune-modifying compounds.

Psychosocial work environment and oxidative stress among nurses'

Background:

Work stress among nurses has increased in recent years due to the demands of clinical nursing.

Objectives:

To investigate psychosocial work stress among nurses using the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model with assessment malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative stress marker and total antioxidants.

Methods:

The present study was conducted on 204 registered nurses worked at two tertiary hospitals in Menoufia governorate, Egypt through the period from the 1st of February to the end of July 2016. Two questionnaires were applied including general demographic and occupational histories as well as effort-reward questionnaire. Blood analysis was performed to assess MDA and total antioxidant levels.

Results:

ERI was prevalent among the study participants (72.5%). ERI was more prevalent among young married nurses who worked more than 10 years. Nurses that worked at ICUs complained more of ERI (43.2%) while nurses that worked at operation rooms complained more of overcommitment (62.5%). MDA levels were significantly positively correlated with E/R ratios (rho = 0.350, P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions:

Work stress was prevalent among the studied nurses as revealed by the high ERI and MDA levels. Young married female nurses complained more of work stress. ICUs and operating rooms were the most stressful departments at the studied hospitals. Hence, implementing programs and strategies that eliminate stressful working conditions at hospitals is critical to the reduction and prevention of work stress among nurses.

Advanced Glycation End Product (AGE) Accumulation in the Skin is Associated with Depression: The Maastricht Study

BACKGROUND

Depression is a highly prevalent disease with a high morbidity and mortality risk. Its pathophysiology is not entirely clear. However, type 2 diabetes is an important risk factor for depression. One mechanism that may explain this association may include the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). We therefore investigated the association of AGEs with depressive symptoms and depressive disorder. In addition, we examined whether the potential association was present for somatic and/or cognitive symptoms of depression.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were used from the Maastricht Study (N = 862, mean age 59.8 ± 8.5 years, 55% men). AGE accumulation was measured with skin autofluorescence (SAF) by use of the AGE Reader. Plasma levels of protein-bound pentosidine were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and Nε-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) were measured with ultraperformance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Depressive symptoms and depressive disorder were assessed by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

RESULTS

Higher SAF was associated with depressive symptoms (β = 0.42, 95% CI 0.12-0.73, P = .007) and depressive disorder (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.04-1.95, P = .028) after adjustment for age, sex, type 2 diabetes, smoking, BMI, and kidney function. Plasma pentosidine, CML, and CEL were not independently associated with depressive symptoms and depressive disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that AGE accumulation in the skin is independently associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and depressive disorder. This association is present for both somatic and cognitive symptoms of depression. This might suggest that AGEs are involved in the development of depression.

Anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant activity of fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor that has been widely used to determine the neurotransmission of serotonin in the central nervous system. This substance has emerged as the drug of choice for the treatment of depression due to is safer profile, fewer side effects, and greater tolerability. Studies have found the following important functions of fluoxetine related to the central nervous system: neuroprotection; anti-inflammatory properties similar to standard drugs for the treatment of inflammatory conditions; antioxidant properties, contributing to its therapeutic action and an important intracellular mechanism underlying the protective pharmacological effects seen in clinical practice in the treatment of different stress-related adverse health conditions; and antiapoptotic properties, with greater neuron survival and a reduction in apoptosis mediators as well as oxidative substances, such as superoxide dismutase and hydrogen peroxide. The aim of this study was to perform a review of the literature on the important role of fluoxetine in anti-inflammatory, cell survival, and neuron trophicity mechanisms (antiapoptotic properties) as well as its role regarding enzymes of the antioxidant defense system.

Flavonoid-rich fraction of the Monodora tenuifolia seed extract attenuates behavioural alterations and oxidative damage in forced-swim stressed rats

The antidepressant effects of the flavonoid-rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia seed extract were examined by assessing the extent of attenuation of behavioural alterations and oxidative damage in the rats that were stressed by forced swim test. Compared with the model control group, the altered behavioural parameters were attenuated significantly (P < 0.05) in the group treated with the flavonoid-rich fraction (100 and 200 mg·kg(-1)), comparable to the group treated with the standard drug, fluoxetine (10 mg·kg(-1)). The flavonoid-rich fraction and fluoxetine improved significantly (P < 0.05) the activities of the antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as other biochemical parameters such as reduced glutathione, protein, and nitrite in the brain of the stressed rats. These results suggested that the flavonoid-rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia seed extract exerted the antidepressant-like effects which could be useful in the management of stress induced disease.

Antidepressant-like activity of plumbagin in unstressed and stressed mice

BACKGROUND

Plumbagin has been reported to be neuroprotective, so it might possess antidepressant activity. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the antidepressant potential of plumbagin in unstressed and stressed mice.

METHODS

Depression-like behavior was induced in Swiss male albino mice by subjecting them to unpredictable mild stress daily for 21 successive days. Plumbagin (4, 8 and 16mg/kg, po) and imipramine (15mg/kg, po) were administered for 3 successive weeks to separate groups of unstressed and stressed mice. Tail suspension test and sucrose preference test were used to evaluate antidepressant effect of the drugs.

RESULTS

Highest dose (16mg/kg) of plumbagin and imipramine significantly decreased immobility period of unstressed and stressed mice in tail suspension test as compared to their respective controls. These drugs significantly restored the reduced sucrose preference (%) in stressed mice. The drugs did not significantly affect locomotor activity of mice. Antidepressant-like activity of plumbagin was found to be comparable to imipramine. Plumbagin and imipramine significantly inhibited brain MAO-A activity, decreased plasma nitrite, brain malondialdehyde and catalase levels; and increased reduced glutathione levels of unstressed and stressed mice. The drugs significantly reversed stress-induced increase in plasma corticosterone levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Antidepressant-like activity of plumbagin in unstressed and stressed mice might be through inhibition of brain MAO-A activity and improvement of antioxidant status. Reversal of stress-induced increase in plasma corticosterone levels might also be responsible for antidepressant-like activity of plumbagin in stressed mice.

Oxidative stress as an etiological factor and a potential treatment target of psychiatric disorders. Part 2. Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and autism

The pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and autism, is far from being fully elucidated. In recent years, a potential role of the oxidative stress has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders. A body of clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that psychiatric diseases are characterized by higher levels of oxidative biomarkers and with lower levels of antioxidant defense biomarkers in the brain and peripheral tissues. In this article, we review current knowledge on the role of the oxidative stress in psychiatric diseases, based on clinical trials and animal studies, in addition, we analyze the effects of drug-induced modulation of oxidative balance and explore pharmacotherapeutic strategies for oxidative stress reduction.

Investigations on light induced stress model and on the role of Phyllanthus amarus in attenuation of stress related depression with focus on 5HT2Am- RNA expression

Background

There is an increasing evidence that psychological stress and depression trigger changes in various biochemical parameters in animals and human subjects. Chronic stress in rats, and psychosocial stress in humans, is implicated in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders.

Purpose

The current study was been designed to investigate the behavioral, anatomical status of rat brain and expression of serotonin receptor (5HT_2A) mRNA related to pathophysiology of stress after high light (HL) illumination and to evaluate the effect of Phyllanthus amarus (PA) over such stress induced changes in mid brain and prefrontal cortex region of rat brain.

Methods

Bright light illumination was used to induce stress in wistar rats. Established methods were used to analyse biochemical and histopathological tests.

Results

PA administration to HL stressed animals for 7 days prevented stress-induced oxidative damage, as evidenced by significant enhancement of key endogenous antioxidant defense components. HL stress also caused reduced activities of membrane bound enzymes in synaptic membrane along with reduced levels of lipid profile and glycoprotein in the midbrain region. Stress induced changes in the locomotor activity, time spent for exploring the center of the arena, frequency of rearing and grooming, and frequency of facing the corner of the arena, were altered on PA administration.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of PA may be mediated, atleast partially, via reversal of oxidative damage. Further the study demonstrates the promising intervention by PA on the mRNA expression of 5HT 2A in the brain. These preliminary results pave the way for further validation of PA against stress.

Oxidative stress and major depression

BACKGROUND

Major causative factor for major depression is inflammation, autoimmune tissue damage and prolonged psychological stress, which leads to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to know the association of free radicals and antioxidant status in subjects suffering from major depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients diagnosed as a case of unipolar depression as per DSM IV, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were compared with 40 healthy age and sex matched controls. The sera of both the groups were collected taking aseptic precautions and were evaluated for the markers of oxidative stress and for the antioxidants. The age group of the sample and the controls was between 18-60 y, both males and females were equally represented in the groups.

RESULTS

A significantly high level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was found in the patients with major depression (1.95 ± 1.04 mmol/L) as compared to healthy controls (0.366 ± 0.175 mmol/L) (p < 0.0001). The serum level of nitrite was found to be lower in cases (23.18 ± 12.08 μmol/L) in comparison to controls (26.18 ± 8.68 μmol/L) (p = 0.1789). Similarly the serum level of ascorbic acid and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly below as compared to healthy controls (all p < 0.0001). Ceruloplasmin levels were also depressed in cases (p = 0.3943).

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that in the absence of known oxidative injury causative agents, the lowered levels of antioxidants and higher levels of MDA implicate the high degree of oxidative stress in unipolar depression.

Neuropharmacological evaluation of a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (6g) on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced changes in behavioural and brain oxidative stress parameters in mice

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate a novel 5 HT3 receptor antagonist (6g) on chronic stress induced changes in behavioural and brain oxidative stress parameter in mice. A complicated relationship exists among stressful stimuli, body's reaction to stress and the onset of clinical depression. Chronic unpredictable stressors can produce a situation similar to human depression, and such animal models can be used for the preclinical evaluation of antidepressants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, a novel and potential 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)(3-methoxyquinoxalin-2-yl) methanone (6g) with good Log P (3.08) value and pA 2(7.5) values, synthesized in our laboratory was investigated to study the effects on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced behavioural and biochemical alterations in mice. Mice were subjected to different stress paradigms daily for a period of 28 days to induce depressive-like behaviour.

RESULTS

The results showed that CUMS caused depression-like behaviour in mice, as indicated by the significant (P < 0.05) decrease in sucrose consumption and locomotor activity and increase in immobility the forced swim test. In addition, it was found that lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, whereas glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities decreased in brain tissue of CUMS-treated mice. '6g' (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o., 21 days) and fluoxetine treatment (20 mg/kg, p.o., 21 days) significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the CUMS-induced behavioural (increased immobility period, reduced sucrose preference and decreased locomotor activity) and biochemical (increased lipid peroxidation; decreased glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities). However fluoxetine treatment (20 mg/kg, p.o., 21 days) significantly decreased the nitrite level in the brain while '6g' (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o., 21 days) did not show significant (P < 0.05) effect on the nitrite levels in brain.

CONCLUSION

Compound '6g' exerted antidepressant-like effects in behavioural despair paradigm in chronically stressed mice by restoring antioxidant mechanisms.

Oxidative stress markers in affective disorders

Affective disorders are a medical condition with a complex biological pattern of etiology, involving genetic and epigenetic factors, along with different environmental stressors. Increasing numbers of studies indicate that induction of oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) pathways, which is accompanied by immune-inflammatory response, might play an important role in the pathogenic mechanisms underlying many major psychiatric disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species have been shown to impair the brain function by modulating activity of principal neurotransmitter (e.g., glutamatergic) systems involved in the neurobiology of depression. Both preclinical and clinical studies revealed that depression is associated with altered levels of oxidative stress markers and typically reduced concentrations of several endogenous antioxidant compounds, such as glutathione, vitamin E, zinc and coenzyme Q10, or enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, and with an impairment of the total antioxidant status. These oxidative stress parameters can be normalized by successful antidepressant therapy. On the other hand, some antioxidants (zinc, N-acetylcysteine, omega-3 free fatty acids) may exhibit antidepressant properties or enhance standard antidepressant therapy. These observations introduce new potential targets for the development of therapeutic interventions based on antioxidant compounds. The present paper reviews selected animal and human studies providing evidence that oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder.

Guanosine prevents behavioral alterations in the forced swimming test and hippocampal oxidative damage induced by acute restraint stress

Guanosine is a guanine-based purine that modulates glutamate uptake and exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. In a previous study, our group demonstrated that this endogenous nucleoside displays antidepressant-like properties in a predictive animal model. Based on the role of oxidative stress in modulating depressive disorders as well as on the association between the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of guanosine, here we investigated if its antidepressant-like effect is accompanied by a modulation of hippocampal oxidant/antioxidant parameters. Adult Swiss mice were submitted to an acute restraint stress protocol, which is known to cause behavioral changes that are associated with neuronal oxidative damage. Animals submitted to ARS exhibited an increased immobility time in the forced swimming test (FST) and the administration of guanosine (5mg/kg, p.o.) or fluoxetine (10mg/kg, p.o., positive control) before the exposure to stressor prevented this alteration. Moreover, the significantly increased levels of hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA; an indicator of lipid peroxidation), induced by ARS were not observed in stressed mice treated with guanosine. Although no changes were found in the hippocampal levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), the group submitted to ARS procedure presented enhanced glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and reduced catalase (CAT) activity in the hippocampus. Guanosine was able to prevent the alterations in GPx, GR, CAT activities, and in SOD/CAT activity ratio, but potentiated the increase in SOD activity elicited by ARS. Altogether, the present findings indicate that the observed antidepressant-like effects of guanosine might be related, at least in part, to its capability of modulating antioxidant defenses and mitigating hippocampal oxidative damage induced by ARS.

Oxidative & nitrosative stress in depression: why so much stress?

Many studies support a crucial role for oxidative & nitrosative stress (O&NS) in the pathophysiology of unipolar and bipolar depression. These disorders are characterized inter alia by lowered antioxidant defenses, including: lower levels of zinc, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E and glutathione; increased lipid peroxidation; damage to proteins, DNA and mitochondria; secondary autoimmune responses directed against redox modified nitrosylated proteins and oxidative specific epitopes. This review examines and details a model through which a complex series of environmental factors and biological pathways contribute to increased redox signaling and consequently increased O&NS in mood disorders. This multi-step process highlights the potential for future interventions that encompass a diverse range of environmental and molecular targets in the treatment of depression.

Novel therapeutic targets in depression and anxiety: antioxidants as a candidate treatment

There is growing evidence that the imbalance between oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system may be associated with the development neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Major depression and anxiety are presently correlated with a lowered total antioxidant state and by an activated oxidative stress (OS) pathway. The classical antidepressants may produce therapeutic effects other than regulation of monoamines by increasing the antioxidant levels and normalizing the damage caused by OS processes. This chapter provides an overview of recent work on oxidative stress markers in the animal models of depression and anxiety, as well as patients with the aforementioned mood disorders. It is well documented that antioxidants can remove the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) through scavenging radicals and suppressing the OS pathway, which further protect against neuronal damage caused oxidative or nitrosative stress sources in the brain, hopefully resulting in remission of depression or anxiety symptoms. The functional understanding of the relationship between oxidative stress and depression and anxiety may pave the way for discovery of novel targets for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Interactions of atenolol with alprazolam/escitalopram on anxiety, depression and oxidative stress

Anxiety and depression are highly comorbid disorders possibly sharing a common neurobiological mechanism. The dysfunction of serotoninergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, abnormal regulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), disturbance of cellular plasticity including reduced neurogenesis, or chronic inflammation connected with high oxidative damage play a crucial role in the development of anxiety and depression. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of atenolol alone and in combination with alprazolam/escitalopram on anxiety, depression and oxidative stress. Wistar albino rats were subjected to 21 day treatment of drugs then exposed to elevated-plus maze (EPM) and modified forced swim test (MFST), and oxidative stress markers were estimated in isolated brain tissue of all groups. The results indicated that atenolol in combination with alprazolam/escitalopram exhibited antidepressant effects by significantly decreasing the immobility and increasing the swimming behavior in the MFST and anti-anxiety effects by increasing the percentage preference and number of open arm entries as well as time spent in open arm in EPM. Pretreatment with atenolol alone and combination with alprazolam/escitalopram also ameliorated tissue glutathione (GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level significantly which explore antioxidant properties of drugs, and combination augments the therapeutic response of monotherapy in depression. In conclusion behavioral and biological findings indicate that the combination of atenolol with alprazolam/escitalopram has the potential of being highly efficacious in treating anxiety and depressive disorders as well as oxidative stress.

Antidepressant-like effect of α-tocopherol in a mouse model of depressive-like behavior induced by TNF-α

Taking into account that pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative and nitrosative stress are implicated in the pathogenesis of depression and that α-tocopherol has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this study investigated the ability of α-tocopherol to abolish the depressive-like behavior induced by i.c.v. administration of TNF-α in the mouse TST. Additionally, we investigated the occurrence of changes in the levels of Bcl2 and Bax and phosphorylation of GSK-3β (Ser9) in the hippocampus of mice. The administration of TNF-α (0.001fg/site, i.c.v.) increased the immobility time in the TST, which was prevented by the administration of α-tocopherol at the doses of 10, 30 and 100mg/kg (p.o.). Subeffective doses of α-tocopherol (10mg/kg, p.o.) and/or the antidepressants fluoxetine (5mg/kg, p.o.), imipramine (0.1mg/kg, p.o.) and bupropion (1mg/kg, p.o.), the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 (0.001mg/kg, p.o.) or the neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (25mg/kg, i.p.) prevented the depressive-like effect induced by TNF-α. None of the treatments altered the locomotor activity of mice. Treatment with TNF-α and/or α-tocopherol did not alter the levels of Bax and Bcl2 or the phosphorylation of GSK-3β in the hippocampus of mice. Together, our results show a synergistic antidepressant-like effect of α-tocopherol with antidepressants against the depressive-like behavior induced by an inflammatory insult, suggesting that this vitamin may be useful to optimize conventional pharmacotherapy of depression, including depressive states associated with inflammatory conditions.

Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde in depressive rotational shift workers

Shift work is associated with sleep deprivation, occupational stress, and increased risk of depression. Depressed patients show increased oxidative stress. During excessive oxidative stress, Malondialdehyde (MDA) increases and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) decreases in body. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the serum level of TAC and MDA among depressed rotational shift workers in Shahid Tondooyan Tehran Oil Refinery. 21-item Beck Depression Inventory was used to measure depression level. The level of TAC and MDA was measured by 8 mL fasting blood sample. MDA was determined by thiobarbituric acid reaction. Serum total antioxidants were measured using the ABTS. Results of this study showed that TAC mean and standard deviation concentration was 2.451 (±0.536) mg/dL and MDA was 3.725 (±1.098) mic·mol/L, and mean and standard deviation of depression score and BMI were 14.07 (±3.84) and 24.92 (±3.65) kg/m², respectively. Depression score had a positive correlation with rotational shift work experience and work experience (r = 0.218 and r = 0.212), respectively, (P < 0.05).

Evaluation of oxidative stress parameters and metabolic activities of nurses working day and night shifts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress and metabolic activities of nurses working day and night shifts. Intensive care unit (ICU) (n=70) and ordinary service (OS) nurses (n=70) were enrolled in the study. Just before and the end of the shifts, blood samples were obtained to measure the participants' oxidative stress parameters. Metabolic activities were analyzed using the SenseWear Armband. Oxidative stress parameters were increased at the end of the shifts for all OS and ICU nurses compared to the beginning of the shifts. Compared to the OS nurses, the ICU nurses' TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were not significantly different at the end of the day and night shifts. The metabolic activities of the OS and ICU nurses were found to be similar. As a result, the OS and ICU nurses' oxidative stress parameters and metabolic activities were not different, and all of the nurses experienced similar effects from both the day and night shifts.