Depression-like behaviors and heme oxygenase-1 are regulated by Lycopene in lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation

Lycopene alleviates BCG-induced depressive phenotypes in mice by disrupting 5-HT3 receptor - IDO1 interplay in the brain

The 5-HT3 receptor and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) enzyme play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of depression as their activation reduces serotonin contents in the brain. Since molecular docking analysis revealed lycopene as a potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and IDO1 inhibitor, we hypothesized that lycopene might disrupt the interplay between the 5-HT3 receptor and IDO1 to mitigate depression. In mice, the depression-like phenotypes were induced by inoculating Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). Lycopene (intraperitoneal; i.p.) was administered alone or in combination with 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (i.p.) or IDO1 inhibitor minocycline (i.p.), and the behavioral screening was performed by the sucrose preference test, open field test, tail suspension test, and splash test which are based on the different principles. Further, the brains were subjected to the biochemical analysis of serotonin and its precursor tryptophan by the HPLC. The results showed depression-like behavior in BCG-inoculated mice, which was reversed by lycopene administration. Moreover, prior treatment with ondansetron or minocycline potentiated the antidepressant action of lycopene. Minocycline pretreatment also enhanced the antidepressant effect of ondansetron indicating the regulation of IDO1 activity by 5-HT3 receptor-triggered signaling. Biochemical analysis of brain samples revealed a drastic reduction in the levels of tryptophan and serotonin in depressed animals, which were restored following treatment with lycopene and its combination with ondansetron or minocycline. Taken together, the data from molecular docking, behavioral experiments, and biochemical estimation suggest that lycopene might block the 5-HT3 receptor and consequently inhibit the activity of IDO1 to ameliorate BCG-induced depression in mice.

Exploring the pathophysiological influence of heme oxygenase-1 on neuroinflammation and depression: A study of phytotherapeutic-based modulation

BACKGROUND

The heme oxygenase (HO) system plays a significant role in neuroprotection and reduction of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The system, via isoforms HO-1 and HO-2, regulates cellular redox balance. HO-1, an antioxidant defense enzyme, is highlighted due to its association with depression, characterized by heightened neuroinflammation and impaired oxidative stress responses.

METHODOLOGY

We observed the pathophysiology of HO-1 and phytochemicals as its modulator. We explored Science Direct, Scopus, and PubMed for a comprehensive literature review. Bibliometric and temporal trend analysis were done using VOSviewer.

RESULTS

Several phytochemicals can potentially alleviate neuroinflammation and oxidative stress-induced depressive symptoms. These effects result from inhibiting the MAPK and NK-κB pathways - both implicated in the overproduction of pro-inflammatory factors - and from the upregulation of HO-1 expression mediated by Nrf2. Bibliometric and temporal trend analysis further validates these associations.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our findings suggest that antidepressant agents can mitigate neuroinflammation and depressive disorder pathogenesis via the upregulation of HO-1 expression. These agents suppress pro-inflammatory mediators and depressive-like symptoms, demonstrating that HO-1 plays a significant role in the neuroinflammatory process and the development of depression.

The sources, properties, extraction, biosynthesis, pharmacology, and application of lycopene

Lycopene is an important pigment with an alkene skeleton from Lycopersicon esculentum, which is also obtained from some red fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is used in the food field with rich functions and serves in the medical field with multiple clinical values because it has dual functions of both medicine and food. It was found that lycopene was mainly isolated by solvent extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, high-intensity pulsed electric field-assisted extraction, enzymatic-assisted extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction. Meanwhile, it was also obtained via 2 synthetic pathways: chemical synthesis and biosynthesis. Pharmacological studies revealed that lycopene has anti-oxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-cancer, immunity-enhancing, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, cardiovascular-protective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and osteoporosis-inhibiting effects. The application of lycopene mainly includes food processing, animal breeding, and medical cosmetology fields. It is hoped that this review will provide some useful information and guidance for future study and exploitation of lycopene.

Dissecting the Relationship Between Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) are two common causes of death in elderly people, which includes progressive neuronal cell death and behavioral changes. NDDs include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron disease, characterized by cognitive defects and memory impairment, whereas NPDs include depression, seizures, migraine headaches, eating disorders, addictions, palsies, major depressive disorders, anxiety, and schizophrenia, characterized by behavioral changes. Mounting evidence demonstrated that NDDs and NPDs share an overlapping mechanism, which includes post-translational modifications, the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and signaling events. Mounting evidence demonstrated that various drug molecules, namely, natural compounds, repurposed drugs, multitarget directed ligands, and RNAs, have been potentially implemented as therapeutic agents against NDDs and NPDs. Herein, we highlighted the overlapping mechanism, the role of anxiety/stress-releasing factors, cytosol-to-nucleus signaling, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the pathophysiology of NDDs and NPDs. We summarize the therapeutic application of natural compounds, repurposed drugs, and multitarget-directed ligands as therapeutic agents. Lastly, we briefly described the application of RNA interferences as therapeutic agents in the pathogenesis of NDDs and NPDs. Neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric diseases both share a common signaling molecule and molecular phenomenon, namely, pro-inflammatory cytokines, γCaMKII and MAPK/ERK, chemokine receptors, BBB permeability, and the gut-microbiota-brain axis. Studies have demonstrated that any alterations in the signaling mentioned above molecules and molecular phenomena lead to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, namely, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Importance of Antioxidant Activity for the Health-Promoting Effect of Lycopene

Lycopene is a compound of colored origin that shows strong antioxidant activity. The positive effect of lycopene is the result of its pleiotropic effect. The ability to neutralize free radicals via lycopene is one of the foundations of its pro-health effect, including the ability to inhibit the development of many civilization diseases. Therefore, this study focuses on the importance of the antioxidant effect of lycopene in inhibiting the development of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diseases within the nervous system, diabetes, liver diseases, and ulcerative colitis. According to the research mentioned, lycopene supplementation has significant promise for the treatment of illnesses marked by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the majority of the supporting data for lycopene's health benefits comes from experimental research, whereas the evidence from clinical studies is both scarcer and less certain of any health benefits. Research on humans is still required to establish its effectiveness.

Gastrodin ameliorates the lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation in mice by downregulating miR-107-3p

Background: Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases. The phenolic glucoside gastrodin (GAS), has been known to treat CNS disorders by exerting anti-inflammatory activities. Our aim was to investigate the potential neuroprotective mechanisms of GAS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were treated by LPS, before which GAS was adminisrated. The behavior tests such as forced swim test, tail suspension test, and elevated plus maze were performed to evaluate depressive-anxiety-like behaviors. A high-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis was performed to screen out distinctive miRNAs which were validated using quantitative real-time PCR. Then, miRNA agomir or NC was injected stereotaxically into hippocampus of mice to explore the role of miRNA on GAS in response to LPS. Furthermore, Immunofluorescence and the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were employed to observe the cellular morphology. The protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors were evaluated by western blot. Finally, the target mRNA of miRNA was predicted using bioinformatics analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted to clarify the potential function of target protein, which were visualized by bubble charts. Results: The behavioral data showed that mice in the LPS group had obvious depressive-anxiety-like behaviors, and 100 mg/kg GAS could improve these behavioral changes and alleviate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus when mice were exposed to LPS for 6 h. Meanwhile, LPS-induced microglia and astrocyte activation in the CA1, CA2, CA3, and DG regions of the hippocampus were also reversed by GAS. Furthermore, miR-107-3p were screened out and verified for GAS in response to LPS. Importantly, miR-107-3p overexpression negatively abrogated the neuroprotective effects of GAS. Moreover, KPNA1 might be the target molecular of miR-107-3p. KPNA1 might regulate 12 neuroinflammation-related genes, which were mainly involved in cytokine-mediated signaling pathway. Conclusion: These results suggested that GAS might alleviate the LPS-induced neuroinflammation and depressive-anxiety-like behaviors in mice by downregulating miR-107-3p and upregulating the downstream target KPNA1. The indicates miR-107-3p may provide a new strategy for the treatment of CNS diseases.

Nrf2: An all-rounder in depression

The balance between oxidation and antioxidant is crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Once disrupted, it can lead to various pathological outcomes and diseases, such as depression. Oxidative stress can result in or aggravate a battery of pathological processes including mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, autophagical disorder and ferroptosis, which have been found to be involved in the development of depression. Inhibition of oxidative stress and related pathological processes can help improve depression. In this regard, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the antioxidant defense system may play a pivotal role. Nrf2 activation can not only regulate the expression of a series of antioxidant genes that reduce oxidative stress and its damages, but also directly regulate the genes related to the above pathological processes to combat the corresponding alterations. Therefore, targeting Nrf2 has great potential for the treatment of depression. Activation of Nrf2 has antidepressant effect, but the specific mechanism remains to be elucidated. This article reviews the key role of Nrf2 in depression, focusing on the possible mechanisms of Nrf2 regulating oxidative stress and related pathological processes in depression treatment. Meanwhile, we summarize some natural and synthetic compounds targeting Nrf2 in depression therapy. All the above may provide new insights into targeting Nrf2 for the treatment of depression and provide a broad basis for clinical transformation.

Lycopene: a therapeutic strategy against coronavirus disease 19 (COVID- 19)

Lycopene is a group of phytochemicals found in nature, primarily in fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is thought to protect against a variety of diseases attributed to its antioxidant capabilities. Lycopene has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunity-boosting qualities, among other biological and pharmacological benefits. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has recently emerged as one of the world's leading causes of death. Patients may be asymptomatic or show signs of respiratory, cytokine release syndrome, gastrointestinal, or even multiple organ failure, all of which can lead to death. In COVID-19, inflammation, and cytokine storm are the key pathogenic mechanisms, according to SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms. ARDS develops in some vulnerable hosts, which is accompanied by an inflammatory "cytokine syndrome" that causes lung damage. Immunological and inflammatory markers were linked to disease severity in mild and severe COVID-19 cases, implying that inflammatory markers, including IL-6, CRP, ESR, and PCT were significantly linked with COVID-19 severity. Patients with severe illness have reduced levels of several immune subsets, including CD4 + T, NK, and CD8 + cells. As a result, lycopene can be commended for bolstering physiological defenses against COVID-19 infections.

Dietary Intake of Carotenoids and Risk of Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Given the important role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of depression, the potential role of dietary antioxidant supplementation in the prevention of depression has attracted considerable attention. Most studies suggest that dietary carotenoids may play a role in maintaining depressive symptoms due to their antioxidant activity, but some studies concluded the contrary. This study conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies to test the relationship between carotenoid supplements and depressive symptoms. After a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase Scopus, and Web of Science databases from their inception to 28 July 2022, 12 publications met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of which 8 were cross-sectional studies, 3 were case−control studies, and 1 was a cohort study, involving a total of 33,466 participants. Pooled meta-analysis found that intake of total carotenoids (OR = 0.61, 95% CI [0.53, 0.71], p < 0.01), beta-carotene (OR = 0.61, 95% CI [0.52, 0.70], p < 0.01), alpha-carotene (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.60, 0.83], p < 0.01), lycopene (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.55, 0.90], p < 0.01), lutein, and/or corn xanthin (OR = 0.53, 95% CI [0.43, 0.66], p < 0.01) was significantly inversely associated with depressive symptoms, while beta-cryptoxanthin (OR = 1.07, 95% CI [0.52, 2.21], p = 0.86) had no significance. At the same time, this meta-analysis was free of publication bias and heterogeneity. Although further studies are needed to elucidate the causal relationship between carotenoids and depressive symptoms, and to further reveal the mechanism of their association, the results of our meta-analysis suggest that carotenoids are protective factors for depressive symptoms, and dietary intake may help in reducing the risk of depressive symptoms.

Manipulation of the diet-microbiota-brain axis in Alzheimer's disease

Several studies investigating the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease have identified various interdependent constituents contributing to the exacerbation of the disease, including Aβ plaque formation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neurofibrillary tangle accumulation, glial inflammation, and the eventual loss of proper neural plasticity. Recently, using various models and human patients, another key factor has been established as an influential determinant in brain homeostasis: the gut-brain axis. The implications of a rapidly aging population and the absence of a definitive cure for Alzheimer's disease have prompted a search for non-pharmaceutical tools, of which gut-modulatory therapies targeting the gut-brain axis have shown promise. Yet multiple recent studies examining changes in human gut flora in response to various probiotics and environmental factors are limited and difficult to generalize; whether the state of the gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease is a cause of the disease, a result of the disease, or both through numerous feedback loops in the gut-brain axis, remains unclear. However, preliminary findings of longitudinal studies conducted over the past decades have highlighted dietary interventions, especially Mediterranean diets, as preventative measures for Alzheimer's disease by reversing neuroinflammation, modifying the intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB), and addressing gut dysbiosis. Conversely, the consumption of Western diets intensifies the progression of Alzheimer's disease through genetic alterations, impaired barrier function, and chronic inflammation. This review aims to support the growing body of experimental and clinical data highlighting specific probiotic strains and particular dietary components in preventing Alzheimer's disease via the gut-brain axis.

Nature's palette: An emerging frontier for coloring dairy products

Consumers all across the world are looking for the most delectable and appealing foods, while also demanding products that are safer, more nutritious, and healthier. Substitution of synthetic colorants with natural colorants has piqued consumer and market interest in recent years. Due to increasing demand, extensive research has been conducted to find natural and safe food additives, such as natural pigments, that may have health benefits. Natural colorants are made up of a variety of pigments, many of which have significant biological potential. Because of the promising health advantages, natural colorants are gaining immense interest in the dairy industry. This review goes over the use of various natural colorants in dairy products which can provide desirable color as well as positive health impacts. The purpose of this review is to provide an in-depth look into the field of food (natural or synthetic) colorants applied in dairy products as well as their potential health benefits, safety, general trends, and future prospects  in food science and technology. In this paper, we listed a plethora of applications of natural colorants in various milk-based products.

Therapeutic promise of carotenoids as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis have various disease-specific causal factors and pathological features. A very common characteristic of NDs is oxidative stress (OS), which takes place due to the elevated generation of reactive oxygen species during the progression of NDs. Furthermore, the pathological condition of NDs including an increased level of protein aggregates can further lead to chronic inflammation because of the microglial activation. Carotenoids (CTs) are naturally occurring pigments that play a significant role in averting brain disorders. More than 750 CTs are present in nature, and they are widely available in plants, microorganisms, and animals. CTs are accountable for the red, yellow, and orange pigments in several animals and plants, and these colors usually indicate various types of CTs. CTs exert various bioactive properties because of its characteristic structure, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Due to the protective properties of CTs, levels of CTs in the human body have been markedly linked with the prevention and treatment of multiple diseases including NDs. In this review, we have summarized the relationship between OS, neuroinflammation, and NDs. In addition, we have also particularly focused on the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of CTs in the management of NDs.

Lycopene: A Natural Arsenal in the War against Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Diseases

Lycopene is a bioactive red pigment found in plants, especially in red fruits and vegetables, including tomato, pink guava, papaya, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. Several research reports have advocated its positive impact on human health and physiology. For humans, lycopene is an essential substance obtained from dietary sources to fulfil the body requirements. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative stress and downstream complications include one of the major health concerns worldwide. In recent years, oxidative stress and its counter strategies have attracted biomedical research in order to manage the emerging health issues. Lycopene has been reported to directly interact with ROS, which can help to prevent chronic diseases, including diabetes and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present review article was written to provide an accumulative account of protective and ameliorative effects of lycopene on coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that fights ROS and, subsequently, complications. It reduces blood pressure via inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme and regulating nitrous oxide bioavailability. It plays an important role in lowering of LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and improving HDL (high-density lipoproteins) levels to minimize atherosclerosis, which protects the onset of coronary artery disease and hypertension. Various studies have advocated that lycopene exhibited a combating competence in the treatment of these diseases. Owing to all the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive properties, lycopene provides a potential nutraceutical with a protective and curing ability against coronary artery disease and hypertension.

Dietary Intake of Flavonoids and Carotenoids Is Associated with Anti-Depressive Symptoms: Epidemiological Study and In Silico-Mechanism Analysis

Flavonoids and carotenoids are bioactive compounds that have protective effects against depressive symptoms. Flavonoids and carotenoids are the two main types of antioxidant phytochemicals. This study investigated the association between flavonoid and carotenoid intake and depressive symptoms in middle-aged Korean females. We analyzed the mechanism of these associations using an in silico method. Depressive symptoms were screened using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and flavonoid and carotenoid intake were assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, we found that flavones, anthocyanins, individual phenolic compounds, lycopene, and zeaxanthin were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. In silico analysis showed that most flavonoids have high docking scores for monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and monoamine oxidase B (MAOB), which are two important drug targets in depression. The results of the docking of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and carotenoids suggested the possibility of allosteric activation of BDNF by carotenoids. These results suggest that dietary flavonoids and carotenoids can be utilized in the treatment of depressive symptoms.

Carotenoids: Therapeutic Strategy in the Battle against Viral Emerging Diseases, COVID-19: An Overview

Carotenoids, a group of phytochemicals, are naturally found in the Plant kingdom, particularly in fruits, vegetables, and algae. There are more than 600 types of carotenoids, some of which are thought to prevent disease, mainly through their antioxidant properties. Carotenoids exhibit several biological and pharmaceutical benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunity booster properties, particularly as some carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A in the body. However, humans cannot synthesize carotenoids and need to obtain them from their diets or via supplementation. The emerging zoonotic virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originated in bats, and was transmitted to humans. COVID-19 continues to cause devastating international health problems worldwide. Therefore, natural preventive therapeutic strategies from bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, should be appraised for strengthening physiological functions against emerging viruses. This review summarizes the most important carotenoids for human health and enhancing immunity, and their potential role in COVID-19 and its related symptoms. In conclusion, promising roles of carotenoids as treatments against emerging disease and related symptoms are highlighted, most of which have been heavily premeditated in studies conducted on several viral infections, including COVID-19. Further in vitro and in vivo research is required before carotenoids can be considered as potent drugs against such emerging diseases.

Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Nutraceuticals in LPS-induced Mouse Neuroinflammation Model: An Update

It is known that peripheral infections, accompanied by inflammation, represent significant risk factors for the development of neurological disorders by modifying brain development or affecting normal brain aging. The acute effects of systemic inflammation on progressive and persistent brain damage and cognitive impairment are well documented. Anti-inflammatory therapies may have beneficial effects on the brain, and the protective properties of a wide range of synthetic and natural compounds have been extensively explored in recent years. In our previous review, we provided an extensive analysis of one of the most important and widely-used animal models of peripherally induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration - lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice. We addressed the data reproducibility in published research and summarized basic features and data on the therapeutic potential of various natural products, nutraceuticals, with known anti-inflammatory effects, for reducing neuroinflammation in this model. Here, recent data on the suitability of the LPS-induced murine neuroinflammation model for preclinical assessment of a large number of nutraceuticals belonging to different groups of natural products such as flavonoids, terpenes, non-flavonoid polyphenols, glycosides, heterocyclic compounds, organic acids, organosulfur compounds and xanthophylls, are summarized. Also, the proposed mechanisms of action of these molecules are discussed.

Pharmacogenetic-based management of depression: Role of traditional Persian medicine

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders worldwide. The genetic factors are linked to depression and anti-depressant outcomes. Traditional Persian medicine (TPM) manuscripts have provided various anti-depressant remedies, which may be useful in depression management. This review has studied the bioactive compounds, underlying mechanisms, and treatment outcomes of the medicinal plants traditionally mentioned effective for depression from "The storehouse of medicament" (a famous pharmacopeia of TPM) to merge those with the novel genetics science and serve new scope in depression prevention and management. This review paper has been conducted in two sections: (1) Collecting medicinal plants and their bioactive components from "The storehouse of medicament," "Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) for Herbal Medicines," and "Google scholar" database. (2) The critical key factors and genes in depression pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment were clarified. Subsequently, the association between bioactive components' underlying mechanism and depression treatment outcomes via considering polymorphisms in related genes was derived. Taken together, α-Mangostin, β-carotene, β-pinene, apigenin, caffeic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, citral, ellagic acid, esculetin, ferulic acid, gallic acid, gentiopicroside, hyperoside, kaempferol, limonene, linalool, lycopene, naringin, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, resveratrol, rosmarinic acid, and umbelliferone are suitable for future pharmacogenetics-based studies in the management of depression.

Valorization of natural colors as health-promoting bioactive compounds: Phytochemical profile, extraction techniques, and pharmacological perspectives

Color is the prime attribute with a large impact on consumers' perception, selection, and acceptance of foods. However, the belief in bio-safety protocols, health benefits, and the nutritional importance of food colors had focused the attention of the scientific community across the globe towards natural colorants that serve to replace their synthetic toxic counterparts. Moreover, multi-disciplinary applications of greener extraction techniques and their hyphenated counterparts for selective extraction of bioactive compounds is a hot topic focusing on process intensification, waste valorization, and retention of highly stable bioactive pigments from natural sources. In this article, we have reviewed available literature to provide all possible information on various aspects of natural colorants, including their sources, photochemistry and associated biological activities explored under in-vitro and in-vivo animal and human studies. However a particular focus is given on innovative technological approaches for the effective extraction of natural colors for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

What Animal Models Can Tell Us About Long-Term Psychiatric Symptoms in Sepsis Survivors: a Systematic Review

Lower sepsis mortality rates imply that more patients are discharged from the hospital, but sepsis survivors often experience sequelae, such as functional disability, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric morbidity. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying these long-term disabilities are not fully understood. Considering the extensive use of animal models in the study of the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, it seems adopting this approach to improve our knowledge of postseptic psychiatric symptoms is a logical approach. With the purpose of gathering and summarizing the main findings of studies using animal models of sepsis-induced psychiatric symptoms, we performed a systematic review of the literature on this topic. Thus, 140 references were reviewed, and most of the published studies suggested a time-dependent recovery from behavior alterations, despite the fact that some molecular alterations persist in the brain. This review reveals that animal models can be used to understand the mechanisms that underlie anxiety and depression in animals recovering from sepsis.

Lycopene as a Natural Antioxidant Used to Prevent Human Health Disorders

Lycopene, belonging to the carotenoids, is a tetraterpene compound abundantly found in tomato and tomato-based products. It is fundamentally recognized as a potent antioxidant and a non-pro-vitamin A carotenoid. Lycopene has been found to be efficient in ameliorating cancer insurgences, diabetes mellitus, cardiac complications, oxidative stress-mediated malfunctions, inflammatory events, skin and bone diseases, hepatic, neural and reproductive disorders. This review summarizes information regarding its sources and uses amongst different societies, its biochemistry aspects, and the potential utilization of lycopene and possible mechanisms involved in alleviating the abovementioned disorders. Furthermore, future directions with the possible use of this nutraceutical against lifestyle-related disorders are emphasized. Its protective effects against recommended doses of toxic agents and toxicity and safety are also discussed.

Anti-Apoptotic Effects of Carotenoids in Neurodegeneration

Apoptosis, programmed cell death type I, is a critical part of neurodegeneration in cerebral ischemia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease. Apoptosis begins with activation of pro-death proteins Bax and Bak, release of cytochrome c and activation of caspases, loss of membrane integrity of intracellular organelles, and ultimately cell death. Approaches that block apoptotic pathways may prevent or delay neurodegenerative processes. Carotenoids are a group of pigments found in fruits, vegetables, and seaweeds that possess antioxidant properties. Over the last several decades, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated a protective role of carotenoids in neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we describe functions of commonly consumed carotenoids including lycopene, β-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, and fucoxanthin and their roles in neurodegenerative disease models. We also discuss the underlying cellular mechanisms of carotenoid-mediated neuroprotection, including their antioxidant properties, role as signaling molecules, and as gene regulators that alleviate apoptosis-associated brain cell death.

Intakes of Specific Categories of Vegetables and Fruits Are Inversely Associated With Depressive Symptoms Among Adults

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological evidence on the relationships between intakes of different categories of vegetables and fruits and depressive symptoms is very limited and inconsistent, especially with no evidence from the general population. This study aimed to estimate their relationships among a large general population.

METHODS

The cross-sectional design was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2014) and included 16,925 adults. Dietary information was attained from two nonconsecutive 24-hr dietary recalls. Patient Health Questionnaire was applied for measuring depressive symptoms. The associations between vegetables and fruits intakes and depressive symptoms were appraised utilizing logistic regression and restricted cubic spline.

RESULTS

Compared with the lowest category of intake, the most-adjusted odds ratios of depressive symptoms for the highest intake category of tomatoes and tomato mixtures were 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.99), and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.48-0.85) for dark-green vegetables, 0.67 (95% CI, 0.53-0.84) for other vegetables, 0.48 (95% CI, 0.29-0.79) for berries, 0.67 (95% CI, 0.55-0.82) for total vegetables, and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.57-0.86) for total fruits, and for the medium categories of bananas and dried fruits were 0.62 (95% CI, 0.41-0.95) and 0.39 (95% CI, 0.19-0.81), respectively. After sensitivity analysis further excluding subjects with co-morbid health conditions, these findings remained significant, except for bananas. An L-shaped relationship was observed between depressive symptoms and intake of total vegetables, while the association was linear with total fruits intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Intakes of tomatoes and tomato mixtures, dark-green vegetables, other vegetables, berries, dried fruits, total vegetables, and total fruits were inversely related to depressive symptoms among adults.

The Effect of Lycopene Supplementation on Mood Status and Quality of Life in Infertile Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Infertility is a major worldwide problem which is caused by several factors such as environmental, physiological, and genetic conditions. Lycopene is considered to be one of the most important antioxidants that can contribute to reducing or preventing the psychological damage that leads to infertility. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation on depression, anxiety and stress scales and quality of life in infertile men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomized clinical trial, 44 infertile men with oligozoospermia were randomly divided into the following two groups: the experimental group was supplemented with 25 mg lycopene, once per day for 12 weeks, and the control group received a placebo, for 12 weeks. Anthropometric and dietary data, physical activity, mood status, including depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life scores were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using a 21-item questionnaire (DASS-21) and quality of life was examined using the WHO 26-qustion questionnaire (WHOQOL).

RESULTS

The baseline age and body mass index (BMI) were not significantly different between the two groups (age: 31.89 ± 2.51 and 32.15 ± 2.16 years old for intervention and placebo, respectively; P=0.732 and BMI: 27.20 ± 1.68 and 26.53 ± 1.53; for intervention and placebo, respectively; P=0.206). There were no significant differences in depression, anxiety and stress values between the two groups; however, depression score significantly decreased in both groups compared to the baseline levels (P=0.028 and P=0.031). No significant differences were observed in four domains of quality of life, except for psychological domain that was improved in the lycopene group compared to the baseline values (P=0.049).

CONCLUSION

Short term supplementation of lycopene had no effect on mood status and quality of life, except for psychological status in infertile men (Registration number: IRCT20171105037249N1).

HDAC2 hyperexpression alters hippocampal neuronal transcription and microglial activity in neuroinflammation-induced cognitive dysfunction

Background

Inflammation can induce cognitive dysfunction in patients who undergo surgery. Previous studies have demonstrated that both acute peripheral inflammation and anaesthetic insults, especially isoflurane (ISO), are risk factors for memory impairment. Few studies are currently investigating the role of ISO under acute peri-inflammatory conditions, and it is difficult to predict whether ISO can aggravate inflammation-induced cognitive deficits. HDACs, which are essential for learning, participate in the deacetylation of lysine residues and the regulation of gene transcription. However, the cell-specific mechanism of HDACs in inflammation-induced cognitive impairment remains unknown.

Methods

Three-month-old C57BL/6 mice were treated with single versus combined exposure to LPS injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) to simulate acute abdominal inflammation and isoflurane to investigate the role of anaesthesia and acute peripheral inflammation in cognitive impairment. Behavioural tests, Western blotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and ChIP assays were performed to detect memory, the expressions of inflammatory cytokines, HDAC2, BDNF, c-Fos, acetyl-H3, microglial activity, Bdnf mRNA, c-fos mRNA, and Bdnf and c-fos transcription in the hippocampus.

Results

LPS, but not isoflurane, induced neuroinflammation-induced memory impairment and reduced histone acetylation by upregulating histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in dorsal hippocampal CaMKII⁺ neurons. The hyperexpression of HDAC2 in neurons was mediated by the activation of microglia. The decreased level of histone acetylation suppressed the transcription of Bdnf and c-fos and the expressions of BDNF and c-Fos, which subsequently impaired memory. The adeno-associated virus ShHdac2, which suppresses Hdac2 after injection into the dorsal hippocampus, reversed microglial activation, hippocampal glutamatergic BDNF and c-Fos expressions, and memory deficits.

Conclusions

Reversing HDAC2 in hippocampal CaMKII⁺ neurons exert a neuroprotective effect against neuroinflammation-induced memory deficits.

Food Components with the Potential to be Used in the Therapeutic Approach of Mental Diseases

BACKGROUND

Neurological disorders represent a high influence in our society throughout the world. Although the symptoms arising from those diseases are well known, the causes and mechanisms are complex and depending on multiple factors. Some food components consumed as part of our diet have been studied regarding their incidence in different common neurological diseases such as Alzheimer disease, major depression, Parkinson disease, autism and schizophrenia among others.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, information has been gathered on the main evidences arising from studies on the most promising food components, related to their therapeutic potential, as part of dietary supplements or through the diet, as an alternative or a complement of the traditional drug treatments. Those food components include vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, carotenoids, polyphenols, bioactive peptides, probiotics, creatine and saponins.

RESULTS

Many in vitro and in vivo animal studies, randomized and placebo control trials, and systematic reviews on the scientific results published in the literature, have been discussed, highlighting the more recent advances, also with the aim to explore the main research needs. Particular attention has been paid to the mechanisms of action of the compounds regarding their anti-inflammatory, antioxidative properties and neuronal protection.

CONCLUSION

More research is needed to prove the therapeutic potential of the food components based on scientific evidence, also on intervention studies to demonstrate the improvement of neuronal and cognitive impairments.

Mitochondrial transplantation attenuates lipopolysaccharide- induced depression-like behaviors

The dysfunction of mitochondria plays important roles in the development of depression. Interestingly, increasing numbers of evidence show the therapeutic benefits of mitochondria transfer. Therefore, we hypothesized that injection of exogenous mitochondria would contribute to ameliorate depressive-like symptoms. In this study, the antidepressant-like effect of intravenous isolated mitochondria was evaluated on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced model of depression. The depressive-like behaviors were assessed using forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and sucrose preference test. Besides, the neurogenesis, expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial activation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and ATP production were determined in the hippocampus. The results showed that treatment of isolated mitochondria decreased the immobility time of mice in the FST and TST, and attenuated the decrease in sucrose preference test. Moreover, isolated mitochondria significantly reduced the activation of astrocyte and microglia as well as neuroinflammation (i.e. 1 L-1β, TNF-α and COX-2), increased BDNF expression and neurogenesis, restored the dysfunction of ATP production and oxidative stress in inflammation- induced depression. Taken together, the data suggested for the first time that injection of isolated mitochondria ameliorated LPS- induced depressive-like behaviors. The new discovery for the present study provides that mitochondrial transplantation might act as a new therapeutic strategy for MDD.

Recent Advances in Studies on the Therapeutic Potential of Dietary Carotenoids in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Carotenoids, symmetrical tetraterpenes with a linear C40 hydrocarbon backbone, are natural pigment molecules produced by plants, algae, and fungi. Carotenoids have important functions in the organisms (including animals) that obtain them from food. Due to their characteristic structure, carotenoids have bioactive properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and autophagy-modulatory activities. Given the protective function of carotenoids, their levels in the human body have been significantly associated with the treatment and prevention of various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this paper, we review the latest studies on the effects of carotenoids on neurodegenerative diseases in humans. Furthermore, animal and cellular model studies on the beneficial effects of carotenoids on neurodegeneration are also reviewed. Finally, we discuss the possible mechanisms and limitations of carotenoids in the treatment and prevention of neurological diseases.

Resveratrol ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behavior: involvement of the HPA axis, inflammatory markers, BDNF, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in rats

Classic antidepressant drugs are modestly effective across the population and most are associated with intolerable side effects. Recently, numerous lines of evidence suggest that resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenol, possesses beneficial therapeutic activity for depression. The aim of the present study was to explore whether RES exhibits an antidepressant-like effect in a depression model and to explore the possible mechanism. A depression model was established via chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), after which the model rats in the RES and fluoxetine groups received a daily injection of RES or fluoxetine, respectively. The sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swimming test were used to explore the antidepressant-like effects of RES. The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was evaluated by detecting the plasma corticosterone concentration and hypothalamic mRNA expression of corticotrophin-releasing hormone. The plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hippocampal protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were analyzed by western blot. The results showed that RES relieved depression-like behavior of CUMS rats, as indicated by the increased sucrose preference and the decreased immobile time. Rats that received RES treatment exhibited reduced plasma corticosterone levels and corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, suggesting that the hyperactivity of the HPA axis in CUMS rats was reversed by RES. Moreover, after RES treatment, the rats exhibited increased plasma IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α concentrations. Furthermore, RES treatment upregulated the hippocampal protein levels of BDNF and the relative ratio of p-β-catenin/β-catenin while downregulating the relative ratio of p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β. Our findings suggest that RES improved depressive behavior in CUMS rats by downregulating HPA axis hyperactivity, increasing BDNF expression and plasma IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α concentrations, and regulating the hippocampal Wnt/β-catenin pathway.