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Simiyu DC, Bayaraa U, Jang JH, Lee OR. The R2R3-MYB transcription factor PgTT2 from Panax ginseng interacts with the WD40-repeat protein PgTTG1 during the regulation of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis and the response to salt stress. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 214:108877. [PMID: 38950460 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are flavonoid compounds with important defensive roles in plants. The application of PAs in industries such as the pharmaceutical industry has led to increased interest in enhancing their biosynthesis. In Arabidopsis thaliana, PAs are biosynthesized under the regulation of an R2R3-MYB transcription factor TRANSPARENT TESTA 2 (TT2), which can interact with other proteins, including TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA 1 (TTG1), while also regulating a plant's response to abiotic stressors. However, the regulation of PA biosynthesis in the high-value medicinal plant Panax ginseng (ginseng) has not yet been studied. Understanding the mechanism of PAs biosynthesis regulation in ginseng may be helpful in increasing the plant's range of pharmacological applications. This study found that the overexpression of PgTT2 increased PA biosynthesis by an average of 67.3% in ginseng adventitious roots and 50.5% in arabidopsis seeds. Furthermore, transgenic arabidopsis plants overexpressing PgTT2 produced increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability by influencing abscisic acid synthesis and signaling. However, under high salinity stress, seed germination and growth rate of seedlings were decreased. An expression analysis of plants facing salt stress revealed increased transcripts of an ABA biosynthetic gene, NCED3, and ABA signaling genes ABI5 and ABI3. Moreover, the PgTT2 protein showed a direct interaction with PgTTG1 in yeast two-hybrid assays. This study therefore reveals novel information on the transcriptional regulation of PA production in ginseng and shows how PgTT2 influences the ABA response pathway to regulate responses to ROS and salt stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Charles Simiyu
- Department of Applied Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea; Botany Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35091, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Unenzaya Bayaraa
- Department of Applied Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hoon Jang
- Department of Applied Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok Ran Lee
- Department of Applied Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea; Institute of Synthetic Biology for Carbon Neutralization, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.
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Liu Y, Chen L, Lin L, Xu C, Xiong Y, Qiu H, Li X, Li S, Cao H. Unveiling the hidden pathways: Exploring astrocytes as a key target for depression therapy. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 174:101-113. [PMID: 38626560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Depressive disorders are widely debilitating psychiatric disease. Despite the considerable progress in the field of depression therapy, extensive research spanning many decades has failed to uncover pathogenic pathways that might aid in the creation of long-acting and rapid-acting antidepressants. Consequently, it is imperative to reconsider existing approaches and explore other targets to improve this area of study. In contemporary times, several scholarly investigations have unveiled that persons who have received a diagnosis of depression, as well as animal models employed to study depression, demonstrate a decrease in both the quantity as well as density of astrocytes, accompanied by alterations in gene expression and morphological attributes. Astrocytes rely on a diverse array of channels and receptors to facilitate their neurotransmitter transmission inside tripartite synapses. This study aimed to investigate the potential processes behind the development of depression, specifically focusing on astrocyte-associated neuroinflammation and the involvement of several molecular components such as connexin 43, potassium channel Kir4.1, aquaporin 4, glutamatergic aspartic acid transporter protein, SLC1A2 or GLT-1, glucocorticoid receptors, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B, and autophagy, that localized on the surface of astrocytes. The study also explores novel approaches in the treatment of depression, with a focus on astrocytes, offering innovative perspectives on potential antidepressant medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Lin Lin
- Scientific Research Management Department, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Caijuan Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Yifan Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Huiwen Qiu
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Sixin Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China.
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Shin MS, Lee Y, Cho IH, Yang HJ. Brain plasticity and ginseng. J Ginseng Res 2024; 48:286-297. [PMID: 38707640 PMCID: PMC11069001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to modify its structure, accompanied by its functional changes. It is influenced by learning, experiences, and dietary factors, even in later life. Accumulated researches have indicated that ginseng may protect the brain and enhance its function in pathological conditions. There is a compelling need for a more comprehensive understanding of ginseng's role in the physiological condition because many individuals without specific diseases seek to improve their health by incorporating ginseng into their routines. This review aims to deepen our understanding of how ginseng affects brain plasticity of people undergoing normal aging process. We provided a summary of studies that reported the impact of ginseng on brain plasticity and related factors in human clinical studies. Furthermore, we explored researches focused on the molecular mechanisms underpinning the influence of ginseng on brain plasticity and factors contributing to brain plasticity. Evidences indicate that ginseng has the potential to enhance brain plasticity in the context of normal aging by mediating both central and peripheral systems, thereby expecting to improve age-related declines in brain function. Moreover, given modern western diet can damage neuroplasticity in the long term, ginseng can be a beneficial supplement for better brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoung-Sook Shin
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - YoungJoo Lee
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Hyun Cho
- Department of Convergence Medical Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jeong Yang
- Department of Integrative Bioscience, University of Brain Education, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrative Healthcare, University of Brain Education, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Korea Institute of Brain Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Lei L, Wang YT, Hu D, Gai C, Zhang Y. Astroglial Connexin 43-Mediated Gap Junctions and Hemichannels: Potential Antidepressant Mechanisms and the Link to Neuroinflammation. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4023-4040. [PMID: 37875763 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01426-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Major depression disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with a high suicide rate and a higher disability rate than any other disease. Evidence suggests that the pathological mechanism of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction. Depression is mainly associated with the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and the function of Cx43-mediated gap junctions and hemichannels in astrocytes. Moreover, neuroinflammation has been a hotspot in research on the pathology of depression, and Cx43-mediated functions are thought to be involved in neuroinflammation-related depression. However, the specific mechanism of Cx43-mediated functions in neuroinflammation-related depression pathology remains unclear. Therefore, this review summarizes and discusses Cx43 expression, the role of gap junction intercellular communication, and its relationship with neuroinflammation in depression. This review also focuses on the effects of antidepressant drugs (e.g., monoamine antidepressants, psychotropic drugs, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists) on Cx43-mediated function and provides evidence for Cx43 as a novel target for the treatment of MDD. The pathogenesis of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction, with reduced Cx43 expression, GJ dysfunction, decreased GJIC and reduced BDNF expression in the depressed brain. The effect of Cx43 on neuroinflammation-related depression involving inflammatory cytokines, glutamate excitotoxicity, and HPA axis dysregulation. Antidepressant drugs targeting Cx43 can effectively relieve depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Die Hu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Cong Gai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China.
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Sánchez IA, Cuchimba JA, Pineda MC, Argüello YP, Kočí J, Kreider RB, Petro JL, Bonilla DA. Adaptogens on Depression-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Integrative Review and Rationale of Synergism with Physical Activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5298. [PMID: 37047914 PMCID: PMC10094590 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Depression is considered the most important disorder affecting mental health. The aim of this systematic integrative review was: (i) to describe the effects of supplementation with adaptogens on variables related to depression in adults; and (ii) to discuss the potential combination with physical exercise to aid planning and commissioning future clinical research. An integrative review was developed complementing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021249682). A total of 41 articles met the inclusion criteria. With a Price index of 46.4%, we found that: (i) Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) is the most studied and supported adaptogen (17/41 [41.46%], three systematic reviews with meta-analysis) followed by Crocus sativus L. or saffron (6/41 [14.63%], three systematic reviews with meta-analysis and two systematic reviews); (ii) it is possible that the significantly better performance of adaptogens over placebo is due to the reduction of allostatic load via the action of secondary metabolites on BDNF regulation; and, (iii) the number of studies reporting physical activity levels is limited or null for those that combine an exercise program with the consumption of adaptogens. Aware of the need for a multidisciplinary approach for depression treatment, this systematic integrative review provides an up-to-date view for supporting the use of St. John's Wort and saffron as non-pharmacological strategies while also help commissioning future research on the efficacy of other adaptogens. It also contributes to the design of future clinical research studies that evaluate the consumption of herbal extracts plus physical exercise, mainly resistance training, as a potentially safe and powerful strategy to treat depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel A. Sánchez
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias Aplicadas al Ejercicio, Deporte y Salud—GICAEDS, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá 205070, Colombia; (I.A.S.)
| | - Jaime A. Cuchimba
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias Aplicadas al Ejercicio, Deporte y Salud—GICAEDS, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá 205070, Colombia; (I.A.S.)
| | - María C. Pineda
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias Aplicadas al Ejercicio, Deporte y Salud—GICAEDS, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá 205070, Colombia; (I.A.S.)
| | - Yenny P. Argüello
- Grupo de Investigación Cuerpo, Sujeto y Educación—CSE, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá 205070, Colombia
| | - Jana Kočí
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogotá 110311, Colombia; (J.K.); (J.L.P.)
- Department of Education, Faculty of Education, Charles University, 11636 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Richard B. Kreider
- Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Human Clinical Research Facility, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Jorge L. Petro
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogotá 110311, Colombia; (J.K.); (J.L.P.)
- Research Group in Physical Activity, Sports and Health Sciences (GICAFS), Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
| | - Diego A. Bonilla
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogotá 110311, Colombia; (J.K.); (J.L.P.)
- Research Group in Physical Activity, Sports and Health Sciences (GICAFS), Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
- Research Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá 110311, Colombia
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Kwon OW, Kim D, Koh E, Yang HJ. Korean Red Ginseng and Rb1 facilitate remyelination after cuprizone diet-induced demyelination. J Ginseng Res 2023; 47:319-328. [PMID: 36926609 PMCID: PMC10014189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Demyelination has been observed in neurological disorders, motivating researchers to search for components for enhancing remyelination. Previously we found that Rb1, a major ginsenoside in Korean Red Ginseng (KRG), enhances myelin formation. However, it has not been studied whether Rb1 or KRG function in remyelination after demyelination in vivo. Methods Mice were fed 0.2% cuprizone-containing chow for 5 weeks and returned to normal chow with daily oral injection of vehicle, KRG, or Rb1 for 3 weeks. Brain sections were stained with luxol fast blue (LFB) staining or immunohistochemistry. Primary oligodendrocyte or astrocyte cultures were subject to normal or stress condition with KRG or Rb1 treatment to measure gene expressions of myelin, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, antioxidants and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Results Compared to the vehicle, KRG or Rb1 increased myelin levels at week 6.5 but not 8, when measured by the LFB+ or GST-pi+ area within the corpus callosum. The levels of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, astrocytes, and microglia were high at week 5, and reduced afterwards but not changed by KRG or Rb1. In primary oligodendrocyte cultures, KRG or Rb1 increased expression of myelin genes, ER stress markers, and antioxidants. Interestingly, under cuprizone treatment, elevated ER stress markers were counteracted by KRG or Rb1. Under rotenone treatment, reduced myelin gene expressions were recovered by Rb1. In primary astrocyte cultures, KRG or Rb1 decreased LIF expression. Conclusion KRG and Rb1 may improve myelin regeneration during the remyelination phase in vivo, potentially by directly promoting myelin gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oh Wook Kwon
- Department of Integrative Biosciences, University of Brain Education, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dalnim Kim
- Korea Institute of Brain Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eugene Koh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratories, Singapore
| | - Hyun-Jeong Yang
- Department of Integrative Biosciences, University of Brain Education, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Korea Institute of Brain Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Integrative Healthcare, University of Brain Education, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding author. Department of Integrative Biosciences, University of Brain Education, 284-31, Gyochonjisan-gil, Mokcheon-eup, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 31228, Republic of Korea.
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Kim JW, Geum JH, Ha WB, Woo HJ, Han YH, Park SH, Lee JH. The efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of Kyung-ok-ko: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31311. [PMID: 36397335 PMCID: PMC9666190 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Kyung-ok-ko (KOK), a traditional medicinal formula in East Asia, has been recently studied across various fields. However, comprehensive reviews of clinical applications of KOK targeting clinical and experimental studies are lacking. Therefore, the application of KOK is being limited to the range of tonic medicines. To overcome this limitation, we aim to investigate the effectiveness, mechanism, and safety of KOK to obtain evidence regarding its effects in clinical applications. We searched for clinical and experimental articles in 11 databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Google Scholar, Research Information Sharing Service, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Koreanstudies Information Service System, Korean Medical Database, DBpia, and ScienceON). We selected 54 studies based on the inclusion criteria. Three clinical studies used KOK for a consumptive disease and health promotion. Fifty-one experimental studies reported the antioxidant activity, neuroprotective activity, anticancer effect, anti-inflammatory activity, immunological activity, growth promotion, impacts on cardiovascular system diseases, gastrointestinal system diseases, respiratory system diseases, and metabolic bone disease, hepatoprotective function, and antifatigue function of KOK, which were considered effective and safe in consumptive, chronic, metabolic, inflammatory, and immune diseases. We identified the effectiveness of KOK in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. However, further clinical studies are warranted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Woo Kim
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Geum
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Iksan-Jeil Korean Medicine Hospital, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Bae Ha
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jun Woo
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hee Han
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Hyeok Park
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Han Lee
- Chuna Manual Medicine Research Group, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jung-Han Lee, Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Won-Kwang University, 895 Muwang-ro, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do 54538, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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Zhang NN, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43: insights into candidate pathological mechanisms of depression and its implications in antidepressant therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2448-2461. [PMID: 35145238 PMCID: PMC9525669 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00861-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD), a chronic and recurrent disease characterized by anhedonia, pessimism or even suicidal thought, remains a major chronic mental concern worldwide. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most abundant connexin expressed in astrocytes and forms the gap junction channels (GJCs) between astrocytes, the most abundant and functional glial cells in the brain. Astrocytes regulate neurons' synaptic strength and function by expressing receptors and regulating various neurotransmitters. Astrocyte dysfunction causes synaptic abnormalities, which are related to various mood disorders, e.g., depression. Increasing evidence suggests a crucial role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of depression. Depression down-regulates Cx43 expression in humans and rats, and dysfunction of Cx43 also induces depressive behaviors in rats and mice. Recently Cx43 has received considerable critical attention and is highly implicated in the onset of depression. However, the pathological mechanisms of depression-like behavior associated with Cx43 still remain ambiguous. In this review we summarize the recent progress regarding the underlying mechanisms of Cx43 in the etiology of depression-like behaviors including gliotransmission, metabolic disorders, and neuroinflammation. We also discuss the effects of antidepressants (monoamine antidepressants and ketamine) on Cx43. The clarity of the candidate pathological mechanisms of depression-like behaviors associated with Cx43 and its potential pharmacological roles for antidepressants will benefit the exploration of a novel antidepressant target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Ning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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