1
|
Du L, Yang D, Wu L, Mei L, Wu S, Ba Y, Bao Y, Su R, Song L. Integration of Gut Microbiota, Serum Metabolomic, and Network Pharmacology to Reveal the Anti Insomnia Mechanism of Mongolian Medicine Sugemule-4 Decoction on Insomnia Model Rats. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:2617-2639. [PMID: 38957410 PMCID: PMC11217142 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s455600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To explored the potential molecular mechanism of Sugemule-4 decoction (MMS-4D) in treating insomnia. Methods DL-4-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) + chronic unpredictable mild stress stimulation (CUMS) was used to induce an insomnia model in rats. After the model was successfully established, MMS-4D was intervened at low, medium, and high doses for 7 days. The open-field test (OFT) was used to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy. The potential mechanism of MMS-4D in treating insomnia was investigated using gut microbiota, serum metabolomics, and network pharmacology (NP). Experimental validation of the main components of the key pathways was carried out using ELISA and Western blot. Results The weights of the insomnia-model rats were significantly raised (p ≤ 0.05), the total exercise distance in the OFT increased (p ≤ 0.05), the rest time shortened, and the number of standing times increased (p ≤ 0.05), after treatment with MMS-4D. Moreover, there was a substantial recovery in the 5-HT, DA, GABA, and Glu levels in the hypothalamus tissue and the 5-HT and GABA levels in the colon tissue of rats. The expression of DAT and DRD1 proteins in the hippocampus of insomnia rats reduced after drug treatment. MMS-4D may treat insomnia by regulating different crucial pathways including 5-HT -, DA -, GABA -, and Glu-mediated neuroactive light receiver interaction, cAMP signaling pathway, serotonergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic synapses. Conclusion This study revealed that MMS-4D can improve the general state and behavioral changes of insomnia model rats. Its mechanism may be related to the reversal of abnormal pathways mediated by 5-HT, DA, GABA, and Glu, such as Serotonergic synapse, Dopaminergic synapse, Glutamatergic synapse, and GABAergic synapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Du
- College of Mongolian Medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dezhi Yang
- Innovative Mongolian Medical Engineering Research Center, Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Wu
- College of Mongolian Medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Mei
- College of Mongolian Medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sarula Wu
- College of Mongolian Medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yasula Ba
- College of Mongolian Medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongchang Bao
- College of Mongolian Medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rigugaqiqige Su
- College of Mongolian Medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Song
- College of Mongolian Medical, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Varinthra P, Anwar SNMN, Shih SC, Liu IY. The role of the GABAergic system on insomnia. Tzu Chi Med J 2024; 36:103-109. [PMID: 38645778 PMCID: PMC11025592 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_243_23] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep is an essential activity for the survival of mammals. Good sleep quality helps promote the performance of daily functions. In contrast, insufficient sleep reduces the efficiency of daily activities, causes various chronic diseases like Alzheimer's disease, and increases the risk of having accidents. The GABAergic system is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the central nervous system. It transits the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter via GABAA and GABAB receptors to counterbalance excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, noradrenaline, serotonin, acetylcholine, orexin, and dopamine, which release and increase arousal activities during sleep. Several studies emphasized that dysfunction of the GABAergic system is related to insomnia, the most prevalent sleep-related disorder. The GABAergic system comprises the GABA neurotransmitter, GABA receptors, GABA synthesis, and degradation. Many studies have demonstrated that GABA levels correlate with sleep quality, suggesting that modulating the GABAergic system may be a promising therapeutic approach for insomnia. In this article, we highlight the significance of sleep, the classification and pathology of insomnia, and the impact of the GABAergic system changes on sleep. In addition, we also review the medications that target the GABAergic systems for insomnia, including benzodiazepines (BZDs), non-BZDs, barbiturates, GABA supplements, and Chinese herbal medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shameemun Naseer Mohamed Nizarul Anwar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shu-Ching Shih
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ingrid Y. Liu
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang Y, Liu J, Ou H, Ma X, Li J, Shao B, Jin R, Zhao J. Study on the Mechanism of Jiaotai Pill Intervention on Insomnia Animal Model Based on Gut Microbiome and Metabolomics. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:2442505. [PMID: 37260523 PMCID: PMC10229250 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2442505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Background With the continuous advancement of clinical application and experimental research of JTP, the application prospect of JTP in nervous system diseases and metabolic diseases is becoming increasingly clear. Jiaotai Pill (JTP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula for insomnia, consisting of Coptidis rhizoma and Cinnamomi cortex, which dates back to Han Shi Yi Tong in the Ming Dynasty of China. Objective Based on the brain-gut axis theory, this paper aims to explore the potential mechanism of JTP in the intervention of insomnia by using intestinal microbiome and metabolomics technology, taking the animal model of insomnia as the research object, so as to provide experimental basis for its further application and research. Methods The insomnia mouse model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). The clinical equivalent dose of JTP was administered by gavage for one week. The efficacy of JTP was evaluated by behavioral tests, serum biochemical detection, and brain histomorphological observation. The contents of cecum were analyzed by microbiomics and metabolomics. Results The results show that insomnia caused by PCPA led to daytime dysfunction, higher HPA axis hormone levels, and morphologically impaired hippocampus. JTP reversed these anomalies. Omics research indicates that JTP significantly reduced gut α diversity; at the phylum level, JTP reduced the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacterota, Cyanobacteria, and Actinobacteriota and increased the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiota, Proteobacteria, and Desulfobacterota. At the genus level, JTP reduced the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Alistipes, Colidextribacter, Muribaculum, and Mucispirillum and increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Akkermansia. JTP also reversed the activation of the linoleic acid metabolism pathway induced by insomnia. The combined analysis of omics suggests that JTP may play a role by regulating the inflammatory state of the body. Further gene expression analysis of brain tissue confirmed this. Conclusions We hypothesize that JTP may achieve insomnia relief by eliminating inflammation-causing bacteria in the gut and reducing inflammation levels through the brain-gut axis, pointing to potential targets and pathways for future research on JTP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Haosong Ou
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xin Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jia Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Binghao Shao
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ruyi Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Junyun Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang J, Zhang L, Tao N, Wang X, Deng S, Li M, Zu Y, Xu C. Small Peptides Isolated from Enzymatic Hydrolyzate of Pneumatophorus japonicus Bone Promote Sleep by Regulating Circadian Rhythms. Foods 2023; 12:foods12030464. [PMID: 36765993 PMCID: PMC9914586 DOI: 10.3390/foods12030464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the high addiction and side effects of medicines, people have increasingly inclined to natural and healthy peptides to improve sleep. Herein, we isolated novel peptides with sleep-promoting ability from Pneumatophorus japonicus bone peptides (PBPs) and constructed an insomniac zebrafish model as a demonstration, incorporating behavioral and transcriptomic approaches to reveal the sleep-promoting effect and mechanism of PBPs. Specifically, a sequential targeting isolation approach was developed to refine and identify a peptide with remarkable sleep-promoting activity, namely TG7 (Tyr-Gly-Asn-Pro-Trp-Glu-Lys). TG7 shows comparable effects and a similar action pathway to melatonin in improving sleep. TG7 restores abnormal behavior of insomnia zebrafish to normal levels by upregulating the hnrnpa3 gene. The peptide downregulates per1b gene but upregulates cry1b, cry1ba and per2, improving the circadian rhythm. Furthermore, TG7 upregulates the genes gnb3b, arr3b and opn1mw1 to regulate the visual function. The above results indicate that TG7 improves circadian rhythms and attenuated abnormal alterations in visual function and motility induced by light, allowing for effective sleep promotion. This study isolated sleep-promoting peptides from PBPs, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of subsequent sleep-promoting products based on protein peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junbao Wang
- College of Food Science & Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- College of Food Science & Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Ningping Tao
- College of Food Science & Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Processing & Preservation, Shanghai 201306, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China
- National R & D Branch Center for Freshwater Aquatic Products Processing Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xichang Wang
- College of Food Science & Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Processing & Preservation, Shanghai 201306, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China
- National R & D Branch Center for Freshwater Aquatic Products Processing Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shanggui Deng
- College of Food and Pharmacy, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Mingyou Li
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yao Zu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (C.X.)
| | - Changhua Xu
- College of Food Science & Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Processing & Preservation, Shanghai 201306, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China
- National R & D Branch Center for Freshwater Aquatic Products Processing Technology, Shanghai 201306, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (C.X.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xiang T, Liao J, Cai Y, Fan M, Li C, Zhang X, Li H, Chen Y, Pan J. Impairment of GABA inhibition in insomnia disorders: Evidence from the peripheral blood system. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1134434. [PMID: 36846238 PMCID: PMC9947704 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1134434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the change characteristics and related factors of various indexes of GABAergic system in peripheral blood of patients with insomnia disorder. METHODS In this study, a total of 30 patients who met the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for insomnia disorder and 30 normal controls were included. All subjects had a structured clinical interview with the Brief International Neuropsychiatric Disorder Interview, and PSQI was used to evaluate the sleep status of the subjects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and RT-PCR was used to detect GABAA receptor α1 and α2 subunit mRNA. All data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 23.0. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group, the mRNA levels of GABAA receptor α1 and α2 subunits in the insomnia disorder group were significantly lower, but there was no significant difference in the serum GABA levels between the two groups. And in the insomnia disorder group, there was no significant correlation between the GABA levels and the mRNA expression levels of α1 and α2 subunits of GABAA receptors. Although no significant correlation was found between PSQI and serum levels of these two subunit mRNAs, its component factors sleep quality and sleep time were negatively correlated with GABAA receptor α1 subunit mRNA levels, and daytime function was inversely correlated with GABAA receptor α2 subunit mRNA levels. CONCLUSION The inhibitory function of serum GABA in patients with insomnia may be impaired, and the decreased expression levels of GABAA receptor α1 and α2 subunit mRNA may become a reliable indicator of insomnia disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xiang
- Sleep Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiwu Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yixian Cai
- Sleep Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mei Fan
- Sleep Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Congrui Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaotao Zhang
- Sleep Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hongyao Li
- Sleep Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yushan Chen
- Sleep Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiyang Pan
- Sleep Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu D, Zhang J, Chen J, Zhang C, Yi H, Liu D. Carrot-based fermentation juice rich in sleep-promoting components improved sleep in mice. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1043055. [PMID: 36523330 PMCID: PMC9745110 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1043055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of fermentation by Levilactobacillus brevis YSJ3 on sleep-promoting components (SPCs) of carrot juice was evaluated. The contents of acetic acid, isovaleric acid, butyric acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) significantly increased after fermentation. The beneficial effects of fermented carrot juice (FCJ) on sleep were evaluated in animal experiments. Behavioral test reveal SPCs-enriched FCJ could effectively relieve anxiety. The sleep duration in the FCJ group were extended compared to the control (NC) group and the unfermented carrot juice (UCJ) group. Moreover, the relative abundances of Ruminiclostridium and Akkermansia in the FCJ group and PC group, respectively, increased significantly, compared to the NC group the UCJ group. The contents of gut short-chain fatty acids in the FCJ group were significantly higher than that in the NC group and the UCJ group. The levels of GABA and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain for the FCJ group also increased significantly, compared to the NC group and the UCJ group. It indicated that SPCs-enriched FCJ effectively improved sleep in mice, which might be related to the fermentation of carrot juice and the compounds produced during the fermentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daiyao Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Juan Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huaxi Yi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Daqun Liu
- Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xia N, Jiang C, Zhou Y, Huang Q, Hu L, Zeng H, Luo L, Yuan Z. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center clinical trial of jiaotaiwan for the treatment of insomnia symptoms caused by disharmony of the heart and kidney. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1011003. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1011003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Jiaotaiwan (JTW) is a classical tranquillizing prescription in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of insomnia symptoms caused by disharmony of the heart and kidney (ISDHK). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of JTW for treating ISDHK in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.Methods: From September 2018 to February 2020, 128 participants with ISDHK were included in this single-center clinical trial. All participants were equally and randomly divided into either the JTW group (2-g JTW granules, b.i.d. for 7 days) or placebo group (2-g placebo granules, b.i.d. for 7 days). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were set as the primary outcome, and polysomnography (PSG), 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), blood tests, and Disharmony of Heart and Kidney Scoring System (DHKSS) and clinical global impression (CGI) scores were used as secondary outcomes. Laboratory tests were used to evaluate the safety of JTW. All data were collected at baseline and posttreatment.Results: A total of 106 participants completed this clinical trial. Symptom relief was more apparent in the JTW group than the placebo group (PSQI total score: 9.34 ± 3.578 vs. 10.98 ± 3.073, respectively; p = 0.006). However, no PSG changes were observed between the two groups (p > 0.05). Higher CGI and lower DHKSS scores were observed after JTW treatment. Serum melatonin was increased in patients with ISDHK after JTW treatment (JTW, 339.09 ± 256.894 vs. placebo, 219.59 ± 169.045; p = 0.004). There were significant posttreatment differences in metabolites in the left cerebellum between the two groups (myoinositol: JTW, 13.47 ± 2.094 vs. placebo, 12.48 ± 2.449; p = 0.021; choline: JTW, 3.96 ± 0.657 vs. placebo, 3.65 ± 0.562; p = 0.008). In terms of safety, JTW had no noticeable adverse effects relative to placebo.Conclusion: JTW was effective and well tolerated for the treatment of ISDHK. The development of large-scale trials with longer follow-up durations is recommended to provide further evidence.Clinical Trial Registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR1800019239
Collapse
|
8
|
Tang Y, Wang H, Nie K, Gao Y, Su H, Wang Z, Lu F, Huang W, Dong H. Traditional herbal formula Jiao-tai-wan improves chronic restrain stress-induced depression-like behaviors in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113284. [PMID: 35717786 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Jiao-tai-wan (JTW) has been often used to treat insomnia and diabetes mellitus. Recent studies found its antidepressant activity, but the related mechanism is not clear. This study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of JTW on chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depression mice and explore the potential mechanisms. METHODS CRS was used to set up a depression model. Mice in different groups were treated with 0.9 % saline, JTW and fluoxetine. After the last day of CRS, the behavioral tests were conducted. The levels of neurotransmitters, inflammatory cytokines and HPA axis index were detected and the protein expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome complex were determined. H&E, NISSL, TUNEL and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe histopathological changes and the activation of microglia and astrocytes. The potential mechanisms were explored via network pharmacology and verified by Western blot. RESULTS The assessment of liver and kidney function showed that JTW was non-toxic. Behavioral tests proved that JTW can effectively ameliorate depression-like symptoms in CRS mice, which may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. JTW can also improve the inflammatory state and HPA axis hyperactivity in mice, and has a protective effect on CRS-induced hippocampal neurons damage. The network pharmacology analysis and the results of Western blot suggested that the antidepressant effects of JTW may be related to the MAPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that JTW may exert antidepressant effects in CRS-induced mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and improving inflammatory state, and MAPK signaling pathway may also be involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueheng Tang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Hongzhan Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Kexin Nie
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Hao Su
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Fuer Lu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Wenya Huang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
| | - Hui Dong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|