Stress, epigenetics and depression: A systematic review

Chronic stress triggers impairments of the redox status of salivary glands associated with different histological responses in rats

Stress occurs as a reaction to mental and emotional pressure, anxiety, or scarring. Chronic stress is defined as constant submission to these moments. It can affect several body systems, increase blood pressure, and weaken immunity, thereby interfering with physiological health processes. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effects of chronic stress on the redox status and histomorphological parameters of salivary glands. Thirty-two albino Wistar male rats were randomly divided into two groups: chronic stress and control. Chronically stressed animals were subjected to a restraint protocol by introducing them into a polyvinyl tube for 4 hours daily for 28 days, allowing immobilization of their movements. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized for further collection of the parotid and submandibular salivary glands. The redox state of the glands was evaluated using the antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays. Histological analysis was performed through morphometry of the tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin and histochemical through picrosirius red staining. Both the parotid and submandibular glands of stressed rats exhibited oxidative stress due to a decrease in ACAP and an increase in TBARS levels. However, the parotid glands are more susceptible to harmful changes in the tissue, such as an increase in the stromal area and in the collagen area fraction, decrease in the acinar area, and smaller size of the acinus and ducts. Our results suggest that chronic stress may cause harmful modulation of the redox state of the salivary glands, with different histological repercussions.

Effects of childhood trauma on depression and cognitive function in first-diagnosed, drug-naïve depressed patients: an observational case-control study

BACKGROUND

Childhood trauma is associated with development of depression, yet a comprehensive investigation into the relationship between childhood trauma and depression severity, as well as cognitive impairment and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) levels remains to be fully explored.

METHODS

A total of 97 patients undergoing first-diagnosed, drug-naïve depression and 60 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in this study. The evaluation included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), Beck depression inventory (BDI), Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), Repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS) scores and n-3 PUFAs levels.

RESULTS

Emotional abuse (p < 0.000), sexual abuse (p = 0.002) and CTQ total scores (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in first-diagnosed, drug-naïve depressed patients compared to healthy controls. Additionally, depressed patients with a history of childhood trauma exhibited higher scores on HAMA (p = 0.043), SAS (p = 0.009) and BDI (p = 0.032), along with lower eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels (p = 0.025). Subsequent analysis revealed positive correlations between CTQ total score and HAMA (p = 0.0389), SAS (p = 0.0112), HAMD (p = 0.0398) and BDI scores (p = 0.0323), and negative correlations with EPA level (p = -0.2843) and delayed memory (p = 0.0444), as determined by Pearson correlation analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

We report for the first time that first-diagnosed drug-naïve patients experienced more severe childhood trauma than healthy controls. Furthermore, depressed individuals with a history of childhood trauma exhibited more pronounced clinical characteristics of depression and lower level of EPA. Notably, childhood trauma was associated with depression severity, delayed memory impairment and lower EPA levels.

The impact of paternity-maternity matching on suicide risk among college students: a response surface analysis

PURPOSE

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of father-child and mother-child relationships on the suicide risk of college students.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted on 1,215 college students using the Parent-Child Relationship Questionnaire and the Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire. 1,215 questionnaires were distributed, and after quality control, 948 were valid the Psychological Distress Questionnaire, Polynomial regression and response surface analyses were performed to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The study found a significant relationship between parent-child relationship patterns and suicide risk in college students. Students with high-quality relationships with both parents ("high paternity-high maternity") showed the lowest suicide risk. Conversely, those with poor relationships with both parents ("low paternity-low maternity") exhibited the highest risk. When examining discordant relationships, students with high father-child but low mother-child relationship quality showed lower suicide risk compared to those with low father-child but high mother-child relationship quality, suggesting a potentially stronger protective effect of father-child relationships in this cultural context. The study also found that psychological distress played a partial mediating role in the relationship between father-child relationship and college students' suicide risk, and a full mediating role in the relationship between mother-child relationship and college students' suicide risk.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion drawn was that similar levels of father-child and mother-child relationships significantly predicted the risk of suicide among college students.

Assessment of complement cascade components in patients with major depressive disorder

Recent evidence suggests that the rapid-acting antidepressant ketamine has immune regulatory functions. The complement system is an important component of the innate immune response and plays a key role in synaptic plasticity. An increase in complement component 3 (C3) expression was previously found in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with depression. Given the complement system's role in depression and ketamine's potential anti-inflammatory properties, there is reason to suspect overlap between the complement system and ketamine's mechanism of action. This post-hoc study analyzed data from 39 individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 25 healthy volunteers who previously participated in a randomized, double-blind trial comparing intravenous ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) to placebo. Blood was obtained at baseline, 230 min, Day 1, and Day 3. Plasma levels of C3a and C4a, two key complement proteins implicated in synaptic plasticity, were determined by ELISA. Linear mixed models were used to test baseline sex differences, whether differences varied by diagnosis, and ketamine's effects (versus placebo) on C3a and C4a levels in the MDD group only. A significant diagnosis-by-sex interaction was observed for C3a but not C4a levels. Drug effects on C3a and C4a levels did not vary over time. These results suggest that treatment strategies targeting the complement pathway may yield fruitful insights and/or advances in treatment options for MDD.

An analysis of the mediating influence of depression on the association between early-life caregiver relationships and cognitive function: a cohort study based on the CHARLS database

Objective

This study aims to elucidate the potential mediating role of depression in the relationship between early-life relationships with caregivers and subsequent cognitive impairment in later adulthood.

Methods

Leveraging data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we included a cohort of 10,828 participants aged 45 and above. We assessed the quality of childhood caregiver relationships using specific relationship scores and evaluated cognitive function through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores obtained in 2018. Depressive symptoms were measured utilizing the CES-D-10 scale. To explore the interrelationships among these variables, we employed multivariable logistic regression models and non-parametric bootstrap methods to assess the mediating effect of depression.

Results

The study unveiled significant disparities between the cognitive impairment group and the cognitively normal group in terms of gender, age, educational attainment, hypertension status, depression levels, and the nature of relationships with parents during childhood. Regression analyses demonstrated a positive correlation between childhood caregiver relationship scores and cognitive impairment (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.01, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.00-1.02, p = 0.01). Importantly, depression exhibited a significant mediating effect in this association, accounting for approximately 20% of the total effect (Proportion Mediated = 20%, p = 0.008). The influence was more pronounced concerning relationships with female caregivers, where depression mediated 11.5% of the effect (Proportion Mediated = 11.5%, p < 0.001). Conversely, the mediating effect of depression on relationships with male caregivers was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The findings underscore that early-life relationships with caregivers have a profound impact on cognitive function in later life, with depression serving as a crucial mediator, particularly among women. These insights highlight the importance of fostering a positive familial environment during childhood, mitigating adverse parenting practices, and implementing early interventions targeting depression to potentially reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and promote healthy aging.

Perceived stress in adults with epilepsy: A systematic review

This systematic review summarizes evidence about perceived stress in adults with epilepsy to clarify the particularities and potential effects on the prognosis and consequences of the disease. This review follows the recommendations of the PRISMA statement and was registered in PROSPERO. Thirty-four articles were selected. In 89 % of the studies, stress in epilepsy was conceptualized as a process in which the demands of the environment exceed the organism's ability to cope. Stressful life events related to perceived stress in epilepsy included the COVID-19 pandemic and work-related problems. Perceived stress was identified as a seizure precipitant in 85 % of studies. In 67 % of studies, patients with epilepsy had higher perceived stress than healthy people. Female gender, youth, low educational levels, unemployment, poor social support, less than five years suffering the disorder, temporal lobe epilepsy, depression, poor seizure control, and polytherapy were identified as risk factors for increased stress. These studies highlight the need for the conceptualization of epilepsy within a chronic stress framework which could facilitate more appropriate clinical management.

Association Among BMI, Self-Esteem, and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Young Adults to Understand the Influence of Socioenvironmental Factors: Longitudinal Study

Background

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major public health problem leading to psychological problems in adolescents and young adults, similar to disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Objective

The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the interaction between BMI and socioenvironmental factors (including chronotype and mental health) that contribute to NSSI, and (2) whether self-esteem plays a mediating role in this association.

Methods

From May to June 2022, the multistage cluster sampling method was used to sample college students in four grades, including freshmen and seniors. The baseline participants were followed up 6 months later, excluding those who did not qualify, and the participants included 1772 college students. Socioenvironmental factors (chronotype/mental health), self-esteem, and NSSI were measured using a questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression models and chi-square analysis were used to evaluate the linear relationship between BMI, socioenvironmental factors, and self-esteem and the NSSI status. We use a process approach (mediation-moderation analysis) to explore the complex relationships between these variables.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 20.53 (SD 1.65) years at baseline. A significant association was revealed, suggesting that a high BMI (β=.056, 95% CI 0.008-0.086, P=.018) was associated with a higher NSSI. There was also an interaction among BMI, socioenvironmental factors, and NSSI. Socioenvironmental factors played both moderating and mediating roles in the relationship between BMI and NSSI, whereas self-esteem only played a mediating role.

Conclusions

Paying attention to factors such as overweight and obesity is important for early BMI control to identify other potential risk factors for NSSI and to evaluate how self-esteem can be improved considering multiple perspectives to improve the effect of BMI on NSSI in adolescents.

Transcriptional evidence of HPA axis dysregulation in adolescent females: Unique contributions of chronic early-life stressor exposure and maternal depression history

BACKGROUND

Depression risk increases dramatically for adolescent females following the pubertal transition. Although chronic early-life stressor exposure and a maternal history of depression are established risk factors for depression onset in this population, we know little about the biological mechanisms underlying these associations.

METHOD

To investigate, we examined how chronic early-life stressor exposure and maternal depression history were associated with stress-related gene expression patterns, using a high-risk family design in 48 psychiatrically healthy adolescent females, 20 of whom had a mother with a lifetime history of depression. Lifetime chronic stressor exposure was assessed using the STRAIN and gene expression patterns were estimated using transcriptional profiling of whole blood.

RESULTS

Consistent with hypotheses, we found that adolescent females with greater chronic stressor exposure had higher NR3C1 expression levels compared to those with less chronic stressor exposure. Additionally, youth with a depressed mother had lower levels of FKBP5 expression compared to those without a depressed mother. Levels of FKBP5 expression, in turn, interacted with chronic stressor exposure to predict NR3C1 expression. Specifically, for those with low chronic stressor exposure, levels of FKBP5 and NR3C1 expression were strongly interrelated, whereas for those with high chronic stressor exposure, NR3C1 expression was high regardless of levels of FKBP5 expression.

LIMITATIONS

This study was correlational, the sample size was limited, and additional research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and predict who subsequently develops depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Notwithstanding these limitations, these data indicate that having low FKBP5 expression, alongside high NR3C1 expression, may be a potential preclinical marker of depression risk in adolescent females that warrants additional investigation.

tiRNA-Gly-GCC-002 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis in lupus nephritis via FKBP5-mediated activation of Smad

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Renal interstitial fibrosis is a frequent pathological manifestation of lupus nephritis (LN). tRNA halves (tiRNAs) are acquired from tRNA-derived small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and are associated with fibrosis. Our previous study indicated enhanced tiRNA-Gly-GCC-002 (tiRNA002) levels in kidneys were positively related to LN-related fibrosis. However, the precise molecular mechanism remains unclear.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The mimic and agomiR of tiRNA002 were introduced into tubular epithelial cells (TECs) and MRL/lpr mice by transfection. The levels of gene and protein expressions were quantified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot and immunofluorescence assays.

KEY RESULTS

In TECs treated with LN serum, as well as in the kidneys of MRL/lpr mice, high levels of tiRNA002 directly influenced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Furthermore, tiRNA002 overexpression promoted EMT in TECs and accelerated renal interstitial fibrosis in MRL/lpr mice via Smad signalling. The target gene of tiRNA002, FKBP prolyl isomerase 5 (FKBP5), improved Smad signalling by interacting with phosphorylated Smad2/3. Silencing FKBP5 alleviated LN serum- or tiRNA002-mimic-induced EMT in TECs. In addition, FKBP5 overexpression reversed the tiRNA002 knockdown-mediated reduction of EMT and ECM accumulation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These findings indicated that tiRNA002 is markedly increased in LN, which facilitates renal fibrosis by promoting EMT via FKBP5-mediated Smad signalling. Therefore, targeting tiRNA002 may be an innovative approach to treat renal interstitial fibrosis in LN.

Trauma exposure as a risk factor of major depressive disorder: A matched case-control study

The association between childhood trauma (CT), stressful life events (SLE) and the onset and severity of major depressive disorder (MDD) has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to investigate the separate and combined association of CT and SLE with the onset and severity of MDD. A total of 503 patients with MDD and 503 controls were included. The diagnosis of MDD was assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) by trained psychiatrists. Trauma exposure was assessed using the short form of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF) and stressful life events screening questionnaire (SLESQ). A series of conditional logistic regression models and multiple linear regression models were performed. The majority of patients with MDD (84.9%) and controls (61.6%) have reported trauma exposure. After adjusting for covariates, exposure to CT or SLE was independently associated with an elevated risk of the onset and severity of MDD. Moreover, a significant additive interaction between CT and SLE on the onset of MDD was observed (relative excess risk due to interactions [RERI] = 6.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19-13.66). MDD patients were more likely to experience both CT and SLE compared with controls (odds ratio [OR] = 10.37, 95% CI = 4.99-21.56). MDD patients with both CT and SLE experience were more like to have more severe depressive symptoms (β = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.02-3.30). These findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention measures addressing the occurrence of CT and SLE to mitigate the risk of MDD development and the severity of depressive symptoms.

Habituation of the biological response to repeated psychosocial stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Recurrent psychosocial stress poses a significant health challenge, prompting research into mechanisms of successful adaptation. Physiological habituation, defined as decreased reactivity to repeated stressors, is pivotal in protecting the organism from allostatic load. Here, we systematically review and meta-analyze data from studies investigating the capacity of central stress systems to habituate when repeatedly exposed to a standardized psychosocial stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test (k = 47). For a comprehensive overview of biological stress systems, we examine multiple markers of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and the immune system. Our findings indicate that habituation patterns vary substantially between different stress systems. While most studies provide robust evidence for rapid and substantial HPA-axis habituation, ANS and immune marker responses to repeated stress are less uniform. We further integrate existing knowledge on personal and environmental influences contributing to individual differences in habituation capacity. Additionally, we discuss the implications of stress habituation patterns for health outcomes and the design of longitudinal stress studies and highlight potential avenues for future research.

Stressors and Stress of Veterinary Students during their Introduction to the Clinical Workplace

Various stressors contribute to veterinary students' stress levels. According to the medical education literature, students' stress seems to increase during clinical training, but research investigating this in veterinary students is scarce. According to transactional stress theory, individual students may not perceive every stressor as equally stressful. The present research therefore aimed to investigate how stressful veterinary students perceive stressors of clinical training, identify subgroups based on their perceptions of these stressors, and determine whether the subgroups differ regarding their total clinical training-related stress and academic achievement. The sample consisted of 197 veterinary students completing their clinical rotation course. The Rotation Stress Questionnaire for Veterinary Students (RSQV) was employed to assess rotation-specific stressors and stress. Course grades served as indicators of academic achievement. Veterinary students reported moderate overall clinical training-related stress, and heavy workload was the main source of stress. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified four subgroups of students, namely: the Generally Stressed Group, Responsibilities Uncertainty Group, Overtasked Group, and Unstressed Group, with significant differences in total stress (p < .001). The groups also differed significantly in academic achievement (p = .015), with post-hoc analysis indicating significant mean differences between the highest- and lowest-stress groups (p = .014). In conclusion, veterinary students' stress during clinical training appears to be a significant factor, particularly concerning workload. However, there are interindividual differences in total stress and achievement which should be considered.

Mechanism of adolescent depression and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Interaction between interpersonal relationship and the OXTR gene

BACKGROUND

Based on ecosystem theory and genetic and environmental research paradigms, the current research explored the influence mechanism of interpersonal relationship and OXTR gene rs1042778, rs2254298 and rs53576 polymorphisms on adolescent depression and NSSI.

METHOD

The main study investigation explored the effect of the interaction between interpersonal relationship and OXTR gene on adolescent depression and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI). Concurrently, a supplementary examination investigated oxytocin's physiological impact on the social-emotional behaviors of mice subjected to post-weaning social isolation.

RESULTS

OXTR gene rs2254298 and rs53576 moderated the influence of interpersonal relationship on adolescent depression, and rs2254298 also moderated the influence of interpersonal relationship on adolescent NSSI. PWSI reduced the mice's emotional social ability and affected the expression and transcription of OXT and OXTR mRNA, which could be reversed after an appropriate dose of oxytocin treatment.

CONCLUSION

Interaction between interpersonal relationship and the OXTR gene affects adolescent depression and NSSI. The OXTR gene heterozygous genotype individuals were more sensitive to environmental stimuli, supporting the differential susceptibility model.

Differential cortical aspartate uptake across the oestrous cycle is associated with changes in gut microbiota in Wistar-Kyoto rats

Pain and psychological stress are intricately linked, with sex differences evident in disorders associated with both systems. Glutamatergic signalling in the central nervous system is influenced by gonadal hormones via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is central in pain research. Emerging evidence supports an important role for the gut microbiota in influencing pain signalling. Here, the functional activity of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and lumbosacral spinal cord of male and female Wistar-Kyoto rats, an animal model of comorbid visceral hypersensitivity and enhanced stress responsivity, was investigated across the oestrous cycle. Correlations between the gut microbiota and changes in the functional activity of the central glutamatergic system were also investigated. EAAT function in the lumbosacral spinal cord was similar between males and females across the oestrous cycle. EAAT function was higher in the ACC of dioestrus females compared to proestrus and oestrus females. In males, aspartate uptake in the ACC positively correlated with Bacteroides, while aspartate uptake in the spinal cord positively correlated with the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136. Positive associations with aspartate uptake in the spinal cord were also observed for Alistipes and Bifidobacterium during oestrus, and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes during proestrus. Clostridium sensu stricto1 was negatively associated with aspartate uptake in the ACC in males and dioestrus females. These data indicate that glutamate metabolism in the ACC is oestrous stage-dependent and that short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria are positively correlated with aspartate uptake in males and during specific oestrous stages in females.

Cordycepin Extracted from Cordyceps militaris mitigated CUMS-induced depression of rats via targeting GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cordycepin, the main active component of Cordyceps militaris, exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor and antioxidant effects. However, its antidepressant effect and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF REVIEW

This study aimed to explore the antidepressant effect of cordycepin and elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model was established to assess antidepressant effect of cordycepin. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolomics with integrated network pharmacology were used to find differential metabolites in serum, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid of rats and identify potential target by cordycepin. Western blot and Real-time PCR were applied to validate the signaling pathway.

RESULTS

Cordycepin alleviated CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors by weight gain, sucrose preference increment, immobility time reduction, total travelling distance extension and serum corticosterone levels reduction. Metabolomics showed that cordycepin reversed CUMS-induced metabolic disturbances through alanine and TCA cycle metabolism pathways. Network pharmacology identified GSK3β as a potential target. Cordycepin increased protein levels of p-GSK3β, β-catenin and nuclear β-catenin, and enhanced transcription of downstream genes PKM, LDHA, Cyclin D1 and C-myc in brains of CUMS-induced rats.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that cordycepin exerted antidepressant effect by modulating GSK3β/β-catenin pathway, suggesting its potential as a candidate agent for depression.

Spatial metabolomics in mental disorders and traditional Chinese medicine: a review

Spatial metabolomics is an emerging technology that integrates mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) with metabolomics, offering a novel visual perspective for traditional metabolomics analysis. This technology enables in-depth analysis in three dimensions: qualitative, quantitative, and localization of metabolites. Spatial metabolomics precisely reflects the characteristics of metabolic network changes in metabolites within entire tissues or specific micro-regions. It provides a detailed understanding of the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanisms of action. These capabilities suggest that spatial metabolomics can offer significant technical support for studying the complex pathophysiology of mental disorders. Although the mechanisms underlying mental disorders have been reviewed multiple times, this paper provides a comprehensive comparison between traditional metabolomics and spatial metabolomics. It also summarizes the latest progress and challenges of applying spatial metabolomics to the study of mental disorders and traditional Chinese medicine.

From air to mind: unraveling the impact of indoor pollutants on psychiatric disorders

Epidemiological evidence from the past 20 years indicates that environmental chemicals brought into the air by the vaporization of volatile organic compounds and other anthropogenic pollutants might be involved, at least in part, in the development or progression of psychiatric disorders. This evidence comes primarily from occupational work studies in humans, with indoor occupations being the most important sources of airborne pollutants affecting neural circuits implicated in mood disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder). The current mini review brings together recent findings of indoor airborne pollution from different fields of research, including genetics, neuropathology, and neuroimaging, for gauging underlying physiological mechanisms leading to emotional disturbances that impact nearly all aspects of human behavior. A better understanding of how indoor airborne pollutants affect brain neurons to augment clinical symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders will undoubtedly be useful in the subsequent treatment of patients with major depressive and/or bipolar disorders. This article is part of the themed issue, "Understanding the Link Between Environmental Pollutants, Brain & Behavior."

Intimate Partner Violence and Subsequent Depression in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies

INTRODUCTION

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and depression are global health concerns with high prevalence rates and substantial negative impacts on individuals and the wider community. Women are particularly vulnerable to both IPV victimization and depressive disorders, and both are recognized worldwide as priorities for women's health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether recent longitudinal empirical evidence supports exposure to IPV as a contributing factor to the subsequent onset of depression in women.

METHODS

A search was performed in August 2024 of the Medline, PsychInfo, and EBSCOHost databases for longitudinal studies published after the year 2013, and 1193 studies were identified. Studies were included if they were written in English and measured IPV as an independent variable with depression as a dependent variable. Studies were excluded if depression was not measured separately from other variables or did not report primary quantitative data. Eleven studies with 118,544 female participants met the inclusion criteria for review.

RESULTS

Ten of the 11 reviewed studies reported a statistically significant positive association between exposure to IPV and depression in women. A random effects meta-analysis was used to generate pooled odds ratios from nine estimates, which demonstrated that female IPV survivors have significantly increased odds of developing subsequent depression (OR = 1.92, (95% CI: 1.28, 2.86); although, there was high heterogeneity across studies (I2 = 98.3%, p < 0.001). Ten of the 11 studies were from high-income, industrialized countries, which limits the global application of these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that IPV may be one of many contributing factors for depression in women. However, variability in the definition of IPV and inconsistent adjustment for confounders across studies limits firm conclusions. The findings of this review suggest that strategies to prevent IPV could play a role in reducing the prevalence of depression. They also support the inclusion of depression screening for survivors of IPV in clinical approaches and a review of the effectiveness of IPV-related depression intervention strategies.

Distinguishing risk factors for depression and burnout in parents managing type 1 diabetes mellitus in children

PURPOSE

Identifying factors affecting the mental health of parents with children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus is crucial in the caregiving process. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of burnout and depression in parents of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, as well as to identify the differential risk factors associated with these conditions.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Data for this cross-sectional and correlational study were collected online from 140 parents between April and June 2024, using the "Information Form", "Burnout Measure Short Version", "Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21", and "Coping Style Scale". Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing depression and burnout levels.

RESULTS

The majority of parents exhibited symptoms of burnout and depression. Increased levels of stress and anxiety, negative changes in self-care, social life, and career, as well as the use of ineffective coping strategies, heightened the risk for both burnout and depression, while the use of effective coping strategies for stress reduced this risk. On the other hand, a longer duration of the child's illness and family income were distinguishing risk factors for the development of depression, whereas an increase in the parent's perceived competence in diabetes management was a protective factor against burnout.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that nurses should focus on supporting parents' stress management, diabetes management competence, and the use of effective coping strategies. In doing so, interventions aimed at reducing the risks of depression and burnout can be developed.

Fluoxetine treatment reverses chronic stress-induced promotion on Fk506-binding protein 5 expression and multiple effects on glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation in the paraventricular nucleus of mice

BACKGROUND

Fluoxetine is widely used as a first-line antidepressant. However, the molecular mechanisms for its antidepressant effects are still not fully understood. Hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a core pathogenic mechanism contributing to depression, and fluoxetine treatment prevents this dysfunction. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a major negative feedback regulator of the HPA axis, while Fk506-binding protein 5 (Fkbp5) is a negative regulator of the GR signaling. Therefore, we examined the effects of fluoxetine on Fkbp5 and the GR signaling in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of depressed mice.

METHODS

Mice were exposed to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), or chronic restraint stress (CRS) with or without fluoxetine treatment (intraperitoneally injected, 20 mg/kg) and examined for changes in depression-like behaviors and HPA axis activity as well as Fkbp5 expression and GR phosphorylation in the PVN. We then examined if adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated Fkbp5 overexpression in the PVN affected the antidepressant actions of fluoxetine in mice.

RESULTS

Fluoxetine treatment significantly mitigated CSDS-, CUMS-, and CRS-induced depression-like behaviors and HPA axis hyperactivity in mice. Subsequent western blotting analyses showed that fluoxetine treatment fully reversed not only chronic stress-induced upregulation of Fkbp5 and CRH but also chronic stress-induced increase in Ser203 phosphorylation and decrease in Ser211 and Ser234 phosphorylation in GR in the PVN. Moreover, quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses revealed that the enhanced mRNA levels of Fkbp5 and CRH in PVN neurons of mice subjected to CSDS/CUMS/CRS were also notably reversed by fluoxetine administration. Conversely, Fkbp5 overexpression in the PVN significantly eliminated the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine in mice without affecting their locomotor activity.

CONCLUSION

These results together suggest that fluoxetine treatment reverses chronic stress-induced promotion on Fkbp5 expression and multiple effects on GR phosphorylation in the PVN of mice.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (sold as Prozac) is a widely used treatment for depression, but the full spectrum of therapeutic mechanisms is still debated. Recent evidence suggests that these therapeutic mechanisms include suppression of chronic stress-activated hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The current study presents the first in vivo evidence showing that suppression of HPA axis hyperactivity by fluoxetine treatment involves reversal of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) phosphorylation via modulation of the GR negative regulator Fk506-binding protein 5 (Fkbp5) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Fluoxetine treatment not only inhibited chronic stress-induced depression-like behaviors and HPA axis hyperactivity but also reversed Fkbp5 upregulation and GR phosphorylation changes in the PVN, while adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based Fkbp5 overexpression in the PVN eliminated the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine. These findings may expand our understanding of the pharmacological effects of fluoxetine, and further identify Fkbp5 as a possible target for novel antidepressants.

Brain region-specific roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in social stress-induced depressive-like behavior

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a key factor in stress adaptation and avoidance of a social stress behavioral response. Recent studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in stressed mice is brain region-specific, particularly involving the corticolimbic system, including the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. Determining how brain-derived neurotrophic factor participates in stress processing in different brain regions will deepen our understanding of social stress psychopathology. In this review, we discuss the expression and regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in stress-sensitive brain regions closely related to the pathophysiology of depression. We focused on associated molecular pathways and neural circuits, with special attention to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling pathway and the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens dopamine circuit. We determined that stress-induced alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are likely related to the nature, severity, and duration of stress, especially in the above-mentioned brain regions of the corticolimbic system. Therefore, BDNF might be a biological indicator regulating stress-related processes in various brain regions.

The significance of DNA methylation of the NR3C1 gene encoding the glucocorticoid receptor for developing resilience in individuals exposed to early life stress

PURPOSE

To analyze and interpret why some individuals are resilient to ELS while others are susceptible, resulting in psychiatric outcome later in life, with a focus on the role of DNAm of the NR3C1 gene as a mediating mechanism between ELS and the risk of psychiatric outcomes. We hypothesized that a high level of mental resilience to ELS, expressed as lower incidence of psychiatric outcomes, was associated with attenuated NR3C1 DNAm levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The first authors conducted a systematic search on PubMed to identify primary research studies. Abstract were screened and full-text were reviewed to assess the eligibility for inclusion. Consensus on assessment was reached after discussion of eligibility criteria. Studies were sorted based on whether they investigated the association between ELS and NR3C1 DNAm in 1) individuals exposed compared to unexposed to ELS both without a psychiatric outcome or in 2) individuals exposed to ELS with a psychiatric outcome compared to exposed individuals without a psychiatric outcome.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Seven studies met the eligibility criteria. The results were inconsistent; two studies supported our hypothesis, two studies indicated that increased NR3C1 DNAm mediated resilience to ELS, and three studies found no association.

Environmental Enrichment and Epigenetic Changes in the Brain: From the Outside to the Deep Inside

The brain plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and effective interaction with the environment, shaped by genetic and environmental factors throughout neurodevelopment and maturity. While genetic components dictate initial neurodevelopment stages, epigenetics-specifically neuroepigenetics-modulates gene expression in response to environmental influences, allowing for brain adaptability and plasticity. This interplay is particularly evident in neuropathologies like Rett syndrome and CDKL5 deficiency syndrome, where disruptions in neuroepigenetic processes underline significant cognitive and motor impairments. The environmental enrichment paradigm, introduced by Donald Hebb in the late 1940s, demonstrates how enriching stimuli-such as complex sensory, social, and cognitive inputs-affect brain structure and function. Despite methodological variability, evidence reveals that enriched environments catalyze beneficial changes in behavior and neuroanatomy, including increased synaptic plasticity, enhanced motor coordination, and improved cognitive performance in rodent models. Additionally, environmental enrichment induces epigenetic modifications that facilitate these outcomes, highlighting the necessity of understanding the mechanisms driving gene expression changes within the context of enriched experiences. Ultimately, this manifold relationship between environment, neuroepigenetic modulation, and brain function highlights the brain's capacity for change, reinforcing the importance of considering environmental factors in studies of neurodevelopment and therapy for neurological disorders.

The differences in symptom networks of depression, anxiety, and sleep in college students with different stress levels

BACKGROUND

Stress is closely related to depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. However, few studies have explored the complex symptom-level relationships among these variables at different stress levels among college students.

METHODS

From March to April 2024, a survey was conducted using a convenience sampling method in three universities in Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province. A total of 7,845 participants (2,447 males and 5,398 females) were assessed using the Psychological Stress Tolerance Index (PSTR), the General Health Questionnaire-20 (GHQ-20), and the Self-Rating Scale of Sleep (SRSS). Based on the GHQ-20 scores, college students were categorized into low, medium, and high-stress levels. Non-parametric tests and Post-hoc tests were conducted to explore the impact of stress levels on depression, anxiety, and sleep. Network analysis methods were used to reveal the differences in the symptom networks of depression, anxiety, and sleep among college students at different stress levels.

RESULTS

Non-parametric test results indicate significant differences in depression, anxiety, and sleep scores among high, medium, and low-stress groups. Post-hoc tests reveal that the high-stress group scores significantly higher in depression, anxiety, and sleep than the medium and low-stress groups. The medium-stress group scored significantly higher than the low-stress group. Network analysis shows that the core symptoms in the low-stress group are "Difficulty falling asleep", "Anxious and restless", and "Taking sleeping pills", with bridging symptoms including "Hopeless future", "Feeling useless", "Life is a battlefield", and "Anxious and restless". For the medium-stress group, the core symptoms are "Difficulty falling asleep", "Easily awakened after sleeping", and "Life is hopeless", with bridging symptoms including "Feeling useless", "Life is a battlefield", "Anxious and restless", and "Taking sleeping pills". In the high-stress group, the core symptoms are "Difficulty falling asleep", "Feeling useless", and "Anxious and resless", with bridging symptoms including "Feeling useless", "Life is a battlefield", "Anxious and restless", and "Stress hinders tasks".

CONCLUSION

Stress exacerbates depression, anxiety, and sleep problems among college students, with differences in core symptoms and bridging symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances at varying levels of stress. Therefore, precise interventions can be implemented based on the core and bridge symptoms of the three networks, further improving university students' physical and mental health.

Understanding immune system dysfunction and its context in mood disorders: psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology and clinical interventions

Mood disorders include a set of psychiatric manifestations of increasing prevalence in our society, being mainly represented by major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). The etiopathogenesis of mood disorders is extremely complex, with a wide spectrum of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors being responsible for their appearance and development. In this sense, immune system dysfunction represents a key mechanism in the onset and pathophysiology of mood disorders, worsening mainly the central nervous system (neuroinflammation) and the periphery of the body (systemic inflammation). However, these alterations cannot be understood separately, but as part of a complex picture in which different factors and systems interact with each other. Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology (PNIE) is the area responsible for studying the relationship between these elements and the impact of mind-body integration, placing the immune system as part of a whole. Thus, the dysfunction of the immune system is capable of influencing and activating different mechanisms that promote disruption of the psyche, damage to the nervous system, alterations to the endocrine and metabolic systems, and disruption of the microbiota and intestinal ecosystem, as well as of other organs and, in turn, all these mechanisms are responsible for inducing and enhancing the immune dysfunction. Similarly, the clinical approach to these patients is usually multidisciplinary, and the therapeutic arsenal includes different pharmacological (for example, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and lithium) and non-pharmacological (i.e., psychotherapy, lifestyle, and electroconvulsive therapy) treatments. These interventions also modulate the immune system and other elements of the PNIE in these patients, which may be interesting to understand the therapeutic success or failure of these approaches. In this sense, this review aims to delve into the relationship between immune dysfunction and mood disorders and their integration in the complex context of PNIE. Likewise, an attempt will be made to explore the effects on the immune system of different strategies available in the clinical approach to these patients, in order to identify the mechanisms described and their possible uses as biomarkers.

Defects of parvalbumin-positive interneurons are implicated in psychiatric disorders

Psychiatric disorders are a common cause of severe long-term disability and socioeconomic burden worldwide. Although our understanding of these disorders has advanced substantially over the last few years, little has changed the standards of care for these illnesses. Fast-spiking parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVIs), a subpopulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons, are widely distributed in the hippocampus and have been reported to play an important role in various mental disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the molecular networks relevant to depression and schizophrenia (SCZ) are unknown. Here, we discuss the functions of PVIs in psychiatric disorders, including depression and SCZ. After reviewing several studies, we concluded that dysfunction in PVIs could cause depression-like behavior, as well as cognitive categories in SCZ, which might be mediated in large part by greater synaptic variability. In summary, this scientific review aims to discuss the current knowledge regarding the function of PVIs in depression and SCZ. Moreover, we highlight the importance of neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the pathogenesis of depression and SCZ, which seem to be mediated by PVIs activity. These findings provide a better understanding of the role of PVIs in psychiatric disorders.

Genetic-epigenetic-neuropeptide associations in mood and anxiety disorders: Toward personalized medicine

Mood and anxiety disorders are complex psychiatric conditions shaped by the multifactorial interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and neuropeptide factors. This review aims to elucidate the intricate interactions among these factors and their potential in advancing personalized medicine. We examine the genetic underpinnings, emphasizing key heritability studies and specific gene associations. The role of epigenetics is discussed, focusing on how environmental factors can modify gene expression and contribute to these disorders. Neuropeptides, including substance P, CRF, AVP, NPY, galanin, and kisspeptin, are evaluated for their involvement in mood regulation and their potential as therapeutic targets. Additionally, we address the emerging role of the gut microbiome in modulating neuropeptide activity and its connection to mood disorders. This review integrates findings from genetic, epigenetic, and neuropeptide research, offering a comprehensive overview of their collective impact on mood and anxiety disorders. By highlighting novel insights and potential clinical applications, we underscore the importance of a multi-omics approach in developing personalized treatment strategies. Future research directions are proposed to address existing knowledge gaps and translate these findings into clinical practice. Our review provides a fresh perspective on the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders, paving the way for more effective and individualized therapies.

Effects of double neonatal stress on female rat sexual behaviour

Neonatal stress affects psychological and physiological development and may be associated with affective disorders. The aim was to examine the effects of double neonatal stress (DNS) - a combination of limited bedding and nesting (LBN) and repeated maternal separation (MS) - on the oestrous cycle and sexual behaviour of adult female rats. LBN was achieved by removing part of the wood shavings from the boxes. In the control group, each box was lined with 100 g of wood shavings, while in the experimental group there were only 10 g of wood shavings. MS was performed from P1 (P0 = day of birth) to P15. At P90, the sexual response of females in oestrus was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test. The size and profile of the oestrous cycle and the sexual behaviour of female rats submitted to the DNS were considered, as well as the influence of female behaviour on the sexual response of male rats. Female rats submitted to DNS showed a reduction in the lordosis quotient, suggesting a reduction in female receptivity. These rats also showed a reduction in the number of hops and darts, the number of ear wiggles, and the genital exploration time rate, suggesting a reduction in proceptivity. The males that interacted with the females of the DNS group showed a reduction in intromission ratio. Experimental model that mimics neonatal factors that affect adult female sexual response will allow more effective interventions to prevent and treat such changes. In addition, analysis of the female sexual response makes it possible to assess the general state of health and quality of life. In female rats, DNS exerted inhibitory effects on sexual behaviour. LBN was probably the most important factor. In conclusion, combating childhood poverty can be a key measure to prevent problems in the sex life of adults and improve overall health.

PRKCB methylation: a potential biomarker of MDD with childhood chronic stress, a cross-sectional study in drug-naive, first-episode adolescent MDD

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between childhood chronic stress(CCS), Protein kinase C beta (PRKCB) methylation and adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD). After recruiting 100 adolescents with MDD and 50 healthy controls (HCs), we evaluated the severity of CCS. PRKCB methylation was assessed by pyrosequencing using whole blood-derived DNA. To explore the relationship between CCS, PRKCB and adolescent MDD, we conducted correlation analysis and regression analysis, and constructed multiplicative interaction models and generalized linear models. PRKCB methylation and CCS were both found to be associated with MDD, and CCS was associated with PRKCB methylation. No significant CCS-PRKCB methylation interactions were observed. However, we found the interaction of CCS and MDD on PRKCB methylation. Our results found that PRKCB methylation was influenced by CCS and the disease itself, and PRKCB methylation was significantly positively associated with MDD severity, suggesting that PRKCB methylation may be a potential biomarker for adolescent MDD. This study is a cross-sectional observational study, which cannot draw the conclusion of causality. Prospective cohort studies are needed to further examine the relationship between CCS, adolescent MDD, and PRKCB methylation.

Association of antidepressants with cataracts and glaucoma: a disproportionality analysis using the reports to the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) pharmacovigilance database

BACKGROUND

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for mood disorders. Epidemiological studies suggest antidepressant use may be associated with cataracts and glaucoma. We aim to investigate the association between antidepressants and cataracts and glaucoma.

METHODS

Data was collected from the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. Reporting odds ratio (ROR) and Bayesian information components (IC025) were calculated for antidepressants (ie, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs], serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, serotonin modulators and stimulators, serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors [SARIs], norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs], tetracyclic antidepressants [TeCAs], and monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs]). The reference agent was acetaminophen.

RESULTS

TeCAs and MAOIs were significantly associated with a decreased risk of cataracts (ROR = 0.11-0.65 and 0.16-0.69, respectively). TCAs, brexanolone, esketamine, and opipramol reported an increased cataract risk (ROR = 1.31-12.81). For glaucoma, SSRIs, SNRIs, SARIs, TCAs, MAOIs, and other investigated antidepressants reported significant RORs ranging from 1.034 to 21.17. There was a nonsignificant association of angle closure glaucoma (ACG) and open angle glaucoma (OAG) with the investigated antidepressants.

LIMITATIONS

For adverse event cases, multiple suspected product names are listed, and as cases are not routinely verified, there may be a possibility of duplicate reports and causality cannot be established.

CONCLUSION

Most of the investigated antidepressants were associated with a lower risk of cataract reporting. TCAs, brexanolone, esketamine, and opipramol were associated with greater odds of cataract. For most antidepressants, there was an insignificant increase in reports of ACG and OAG.

Factors associated with having uncontrolled asthma in rural Appalachia

BACKGROUND

Chronic respiratory disease disproportionately affects residents of Appalachia, particularly those residing in Central Appalachia. Asthma is particularly burdensome to Central Appalachian residents regarding cost and disability. Improving our understanding of how to mitigate these burdens requires understanding the factors influencing asthma control among individuals with asthma living in Central Appalachia, specifically rural Kentucky.

METHODS

This community-based, cross-sectional epidemiologic study used survey data to identify characteristics associated with uncontrolled and controlled asthma. The designation of "uncontrolled asthma" was based on a self-report of ≥ 2 asthma exacerbations in the past year. Individuals with ≤ 1 or no exacerbations were considered to have controlled asthma. Chi-square or Fisher exact tests assessed the association between categorical variables and asthma control categories. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the impact of factors on the likelihood of uncontrolled asthma.

RESULTS

In a sample of 211 individuals with self-reported asthma, 29% (n = 61, 46 females) had uncontrolled asthma. Predictors of uncontrolled asthma included depression (odds ratio 2.61, 95% CI 1.22-5.61, p = .014) and living in multi-unit housing (odds ratio 4.99, 95% CI 1.47-16.96, p = .010) when controlling for age, sex, financial status, and occupation. Being overweight or obese was not a predictor of uncontrolled asthma. Physical activity and BMI did not predict the likelihood of uncontrolled asthma.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights significant challenges rural communities in Appalachian Kentucky face in managing asthma. Factors like depression, housing conditions, and a lack of self-management strategies play pivotal roles in asthma control in this population.

The construction and validation of the novel nomograms for the risk prediction of prenatal depression: a cross-sectional study

Background

Nomograms are superior to traditional multivariate regression models in the competence of quantifying an individual's personalized risk of having a given condition. To date, no literature has been found to report a quantified risk prediction model for prenatal depression. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of prenatal depression. Moreover, two novel nomograms were constructed for the quantitative risk prediction.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the participants were recruited using convenience sampling and administered with the research questionnaires. The prevalence of prenatal depression was calculated with a cutoff point of ≥ 10 in the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression models were subsequently employed to identify the associated factors of prenatal depression. Two nomograms for the risk prediction were constructed and multiple diagnostic parameters were used to examine their performances.

Results

The prevalence of prenatal depression was 9.5%. Multivariate binomial logistic regression model based on sociodemographic, health-related, and pregnancy-related variables (model I) suggested that unemployment, poor relationship with partners, antecedent history of gynecologic diseases, unplanned pregnancy, an earlier stage of pregnancy, and more severe vomiting symptoms were associated with increased risk of prenatal depression. In the regression model that further included psychosocial indicators (model II), unemployment, antecedent history of gynecologic diseases, unplanned pregnancy, an earlier stage of pregnancy, and a higher total score in the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale were found to be associated with prenatal depression. The diagnostic parameters suggested that both nomograms for the risk prediction of prenatal depression have satisfactory discriminative and predictive efficiency and clinical utility. The nomogram based on model II tended to have superior performances and a broader estimating range and that based on model I could be advantageous in its ease of use.

Conclusions

The prevalence of prenatal depression was considerably high. Risk factors associated with prenatal depression included unemployment, poor relationship with partners, antecedent history of gynecologic diseases, unplanned pregnancy, an earlier stage of pregnancy, more severe vomiting symptoms, and prenatal stress. The risk prediction model I could be used for fasting screening, while model II could generate more precise risk estimations.

Enduring modulation of dorsal raphe nuclei regulates (R,S)-ketamine-mediated resilient stress-coping behavior

Ketamine may be a novel pharmacologic approach to enhance resilience and protect against stress-related disorders, but the molecular targets underlying this response remain to be fully characterized. The multifunctional protein p11 is crucial in the pathophysiology of depression and antidepressant responses. However, it is still unclear whether p11 plays a role in the pro-resilience effects induced by ketamine. Here, we demonstrated that prophylactic administration of ketamine buffers passive stress-induced maladaptive phenotypes induced by chronic stress exposure. Spatial neurotransmitter and metabolite analysis revealed that prophylactic ketamine was also effective in blunting stress-induced disturbances of tryptophan metabolism in dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN). Additionally, we demonstrated that ketamine prevented chronic restraint stress-induced p11 reduction in DRN, a highly p11-enriched region. Furthermore, we provide novel evidence indicating that p11 deficiency regulates susceptibility to stress-induced depression-related phenotypes, and these behavioral maladaptations are dependent, at least in part, on p11 function in serotonergic neurons. Spatial neurotransmitter and metabolite analysis also showed a reduction of tryptophan and dopamine metabolism in DRN of serotonergic p11-deficient mice. Viral-mediated downregulation of p11 within DRN induced a stress-susceptible phenotype. Finally, our results also unveiled that the ability of ketamine to elicit a pro-resilience response against stress-induced maladaptive phenotypes was occluded when p11 was selectively deleted in serotonergic neurons. Altogether, we showed a previously unexplored role of the DRN circuit in regulating stress susceptibility and resilience-enhancing actions of ketamine.

Effect of short-term chanting on electroencephalographic microstates

Introduction

chanting in meditation reduces stress and it is reported to have a relaxation effect during both verbal "OM" chanting (VOM) and listening to "OM" chanting (LOM). There is paucity of literature on EEG microstates information after VOM and LOM using qEEG compared to the resting condition.

Methods

therefore, to examine the effect of these actions on the brain using qEEG, it is required to compare the EEG microstates among the baseline, VOM, and LOM. In the present work, 23 adult male subjects were examined and given a paradigm designed using E-prime for both VOM and LOM chanting each of 5 min duration. A 128-channel geodesic sensor net was used to obtain the experimental data, which was later pre-processed, segmented, and analysed.

Results

the present work is the first to report the three scalp maps topographies, i.e. microstates obtained utilizing k-means cluster analysis for the response of the VOM and LOM. Also, the number of time frames, Global Explained Variance (GEV), time coverage, and mean duration parameters for the three maps were analysed statistically.

Conclusion

the study revealed three microstate topographies as markers and reported no significant effect/changes for the short-term chanting.

Validation of the Arabic version of the Adolescent Distress-Eustress Scale (ADES)

BACKGROUND

The current study examined the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the Adolescent Distress-Eustress Scale (ADES) in Saudi Arabia. It assessed the factorial structure through a confirmatory factor analysis, composite reliability through Cronbach alpha and McDonald's omega scores, gender invariance, and convergent validity through its correlation to resilience.

METHODS

A total of 505 high school students from 21 randomly selected schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (mean age of 16.66 ± 1.10 years, 52.7% females) participated in the study. The questionnaires were translated using the forward and backward technique.

RESULTS

Findings revealed good internal consistency of the Arabic ADES (McDonald's ω being 0.82 for distress and 0.79 for eustress). Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the two-factor structure of the scale and demonstrated measurement invariance across gender at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. Girls had higher Distress scores, while boys reported higher eustress scores, which was consistent with previous studies. Finally, the ADES distress and eustress scales were significantly correlated to resilience supporting convergent validity.

CONCLUSION

The present study supports the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the ADES as a self-report method to assess Eustress and Distress in adolescents. Pending further validations to support the present findings, this measure can be utilized by schools, mental health providers, and researchers to support Arabic speaking adolescents globally.

Health-related quality of life of people with depression: pre-post intervention compared with age-matched general population in Vietnam

BACKGROUND

In Vietnam, there is a paucity of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) research on people with depression as well as a lack of evidence on supported self-management (SSM) intervention for depression on HRQoL. This study aimed to compare the HRQoL of people with depression and age-matched people in the Vietnamese population, evaluate the effects of Tele-SSM intervention on HRQoL, and examine the association between the changes in HRQoL score and mental health well-being (depression, anxiety, and stress).

METHODS

This study was a pre- and post-study involving Vietnamese adults aged 18-64 who had depression symptoms (score ≥ 5 points in the PHQ-9). Participants (N = 58) completed Tele-SSM-a supported self-management intervention incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy and non-violent communication and using a task-shifting approach. To compare with the general population, we conducted a 1-to-1 matching by age with an EQ-5D-5L valuation study with a nationally representative sample of the Vietnamese general population.

RESULTS

HRQoL was significantly impaired in people with depression compared to the age-matched general population. Regarding health profile, participants reported the most difficulties in usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression dimensions. Significant improvements were observed in HRQoL scores post-intervention compared to pre-intervention in both EQ-VAS scores (from 59.84 to 79.48) and utility scores (from 0.79 to 0.90). These results remained lower than the age-matched general population (EQ-VAS score = 83.28, utility score = 0.96). Depression was associated with lower HRQoL while controlling for stress, anxiety symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that HRQoL is significantly impaired in people with depression and contribute to providing empirical evidence of Tele-SSM intervention in improving HRQoL. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Tele-SSM intervention.

Epigenetic molecular underpinnings of brain structural-functional connectivity decoupling in patients with major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is progressively recognized as a stress-related disorder characterized by aberrant brain network dynamics, encompassing both structural and functional domains. Yet, the intricate interplay between these dynamic networks and their molecular underpinnings remains predominantly unexplored.

METHODS

Both structural and functional networks were constructed using multimodal neuroimaging data from 183 MDD patients and 300 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC). structural-functional connectivity (SC-FC) coupling was evaluated at both the connectome- and nodal-levels. Methylation data of five HPA axis key genes, including NR3C1, FKBP5, CRHBP, CRHR1, and CRHR2, were analyzed using Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip.

RESULTS

We observed a significant reduction in SC-FC coupling at the connectome-level in patients with MDD compared to HC. At the nodal level, we found an imbalance in SC-FC coupling, with reduced coupling in cortical regions and increased coupling in subcortical regions. Furthermore, we identified 23 differentially methylated CpG sites on the HPA axis, following adjustment for multiple comparisons and control of age, gender, and medication status. Notably, three CpG sites on NR3C1 (cg01294526, cg19457823, and cg23430507), one CpG site on FKBP5 (cg25563198), one CpG site on CRHR1 (cg26656751), and one CpG site on CRHR2 (cg18351440) exhibited significant associations with SC-FC coupling in MDD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide valuable insights into the connection between micro-scale epigenetic changes in the HPA axis and SC-FC coupling at macro-scale connectomes. They unveil the mechanisms underlying increased susceptibility to MDD resulting from chronic stress and may suggest potential pharmacological targets within the HPA-axis for MDD treatment.

Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) and epigenetic factors: their role in regulating the adipocytes in bovine

Investigating the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and epigenetic processes in bovine adipocytes can provide valuable new insights into controlling adipogenesis in livestock. Long non-coding RNAs have been associated with forming chromatin loops that facilitate enhancer-promoter interactions during adipogenesis, as well as regulating important adipogenic transcription factors like C/EBPα and PPARγ. They significantly influence gene expression regulation at the post-transcriptional level and are extensively researched for their diverse roles in cellular functions. Epigenetic modifications such as chromatin reorganization, histone alterations, and DNA methylation subsequently affect the activation of genes related to adipogenesis and the progression of adipocyte differentiation. By investigating how fat deposition is epigenetically regulated in beef cattle, scientists aim to unravel molecular mechanisms, identify key regulatory genes and pathways, and develop targeted strategies for modifying fat deposition to enhance desirable traits such as marbling and meat tenderness. This review paper delves into lncRNAs and epigenetic factors and their role in regulating bovine adipocytes while focusing on their potential as targets for genetic improvement to increase production efficiency. Recent genomics advancements, including molecular markers and genetic variations, can boost animal productivity, meeting global demands for high-quality meat products. This review establishes a foundation for future research on understanding regulatory networks linked to lncRNAs and epigenetic changes, contributing to both scholarly knowledge advancement and practical applications within animal agriculture.

Investigating Parental Factors for Adolescent Problematic Gaming and Social Media Use - A Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Approach

PURPOSE

Increasing concern has been raised on the addictive potential of digital games and socialmedia platforms, especially in adolescent users. Hence, investigating the etiology of problematic gaming (PG) and problematic social-media use (PSMU) is of great scientific and clinical interest. Parental factors have not been sufficiently addressed yet. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the predictive values of parental demographic, psychological, parenting, and role model factors for adolescent PG/PSMU.

METHODS

In a representative parent-child (10-17 years) sample parental factors and adolescent PG/PSMU were assessed cross-sectionally (Ndyads = 1221) and longitudinally (Ndyads = 659) using online-questionnaires at two measurement points 14 months apart. Parental factors included parental media-use patterns, sociodemographic aspects, (digital) emotion regulation, stress perception, (digital) parental self-efficacy, and media rules. Best subset linear regression models were estimated to identify parental factors with greatest predictive values. These were included in prospective linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

At the cross-sectional level, 18% of model variance predicting PG and 24% predicting PSMU could be explained by parental media-use patterns, media rules, and (digital) parental self-efficacy after controlling for adolescent age. Longitudinally, 33% of variance in the PG model and 34% of variance of the PSMU model could be explained by parental media-use patterns and parental self-efficacy after controlling for adolescent age and baseline PG/PSMU.

DISCUSSION

This study is the first to differentially investigate parental factors in the context of adolescent PG/PSMU in a prospective representative parent-child study. Aspects of digital parental role modeling and parenting could be identified as promising anchors for prevention and treatment.

Psychosocial and neurobiological aspects of the worldwide refugee crisis: From vulnerability to resilience

Anisman, H., Doubad, D., Asokumar, A. & Matheson, K. Psychosocial and neurobiological aspects of the worldwide refugee crisis: From vulnerability to resilience. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV, XXXX. Immigration occurs between countries either to obtain employment, for family reunification or to escape violence and other life-threatening conditions. Refugees and asylum seekers are often obligated to overcome a uniquely challenging set of circumstances prior to and during migration. Settlement following immigration may pose yet another set of stressors related to acculturation to the host country, as well as financial insecurity, discrimination, language barriers, and social isolation. Here we discuss the multiple consequences of immigration experiences, focusing on the health disturbances that frequently develop in adults and children. Aside from the psychosocial influences, immigration-related challenges may cause hormonal, inflammatory immune, and microbiota changes that favor psychological and physical illnesses. Some biological alterations are subject to modification by epigenetic changes, which have implications for intergenerational trauma transmission, as might disruptions in parenting behaviors and family dysfunction. Despite the hardships experienced, many immigrants and their families exhibit positive psychological adjustment after resettlement. We provide information to diminish the impacts associated with immigration and offer strength-based approaches that may foster resilience.

Antioxidant activity, physico-chemical properties, and bioactive compounds of Nigella sativa seeds and oil impacted by microwave processing technique

Strongly anti-oxidant and medicinal, Nigella sativa L (NS) is utilized in conventional medicine to address a range of illnesses, including gastrointestinal, inflammatory and rheumatic illnesses. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of microwave processing on the physico-chemical properties of Moroccan-grown Nigella sativa seeds and oils, as well as to investigate the antioxidant qualities of black cumin oils under conditions of accelerated oxidation. The study's specific goal was to ascertain the effects of varying microwave power levels (500 and 750 W) and roasting times (5, 10, and 15 min) on the black cumin oils' quality indices, fatty acid and sterol content, carotenoid and chlorophyll levels, mineral profile, tocopherol amount, and overall antioxidant activity. To this end, the seeds of black cumin were roasted at two power levels (500 and 750 W) and for three different periods (5, 10, and 15 min) in a microwave oven. The obtained results show that the duration and the processing power did not significantly influence the amount of sterols and fatty acids. In contrast, the quality indices, physico-chemical properties, carotenoid and chlorophyll contents, mineral profile, and tocopherol amount were influenced by the microwave processing. A significant decline in the antioxidant activity was recorded from 45.01 ± 0.81 % (unroasted cumin seeds) to 4.32 ± 0.91 % (750 W/5 min). Based on these findings, the black cumin oil preparations should be handled carefully and the oil must be protected once extracted. The stability and preservation of antioxidants are crucial steps against pro-oxidant and inflammatory conditions that could favour cellular senescence and accelerate aging processes.

Ketamine's mechanism of action with an emphasis on neuroimmune regulation: can the complement system complement ketamine's antidepressant effects?

Over 300 million people worldwide suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD). Unfortunately, only 30-40% of patients with MDD achieve complete remission after conventional monoamine antidepressant therapy. In recent years, ketamine has revolutionized the treatment of MDD, with its rapid antidepressant effects manifesting within a few hours as opposed to weeks with conventional antidepressants. Many research endeavors have sought to identify ketamine's mechanism of action in mood disorders; while many studies have focused on ketamine's role in glutamatergic modulation, several studies have implicated its role in regulating neuroinflammation. The complement system is an important component of the innate immune response vital for synaptic plasticity. The complement system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, and studies have shown increases in complement component 3 (C3) expression in the prefrontal cortex of suicidal individuals with depression. Given the role of the complement system in depression, ketamine and the complement system's abilities to modulate glutamatergic transmission, and our current understanding of ketamine's anti-inflammatory properties, there is reason to suspect a common link between the complement system and ketamine's mechanism of action. This review will summarize ketamine's anti- inflammatory roles in the periphery and central nervous system, with an emphasis on complement system regulation.

Transcriptome analysis of rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress treated with electroacupuncture

BACKGROUND

Depression remains one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, with many patients not responding adequately to available treatments. Electroacupuncture (EA), a nonpharmacologic therapy, holds great promise for alleviating depressive symptoms. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to identify genome-wide alterations in the hippocampus of rats after chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and EA treatments to further elucidate the mechanism by which EA ameliorates depression to provide a basis for the clinical application of EA in stress-related diseases.

METHODS

The sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), and forced swimming test (FST) were used to investigate the ability of EA at Baihui (GV20) and Taichong acupoints (LR3) to improve depression-like behavior in rats subjected to CUMS. Subsequently, RNA-Seq analysis revealed transcriptomic profiles of the hippocampus of rats subjected to CUMS in which EA ameliorated depressive behavior. Finally, the expression profiles of major differentially expressed genes were tested by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to determine the accuracy of the RNA-Seq results.

RESULTS

Rats subjected to CUMS exhibited depressive-like behaviors, such as decreased sucrose consumption in the SPT (p < .001), decreased time in the central area of the OFT (p < .001), and increased immobility in the FST (p < .01). Importantly, rats subjected to CUMS and treated with EA showed increased sucrose consumption (p < .001), increased time spent in the central area of the OFT (p < .001) and decreased immobility in the FST (p < .01). Sixty-three genes that were differentially expressed following CUMS were altered by EA; most of these were associated with immune pathways. Compared with those in the control group, the expression levels of Colla2 (p < .001), Col3a1 (p < .001), Psmb9 (p < .01), and Tap1 (p < .01) in the hippocampus of rats subjected to CUMS were lower. The changes in the expression of these genes were reversed by EA treatment.

CONCLUSION

EA at GV20 and LR3 attenuated CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors by regulating the expression of specific genes such as Colla2, Col3a1, Psmb9, and Tap1.

Deciphering Depression: Epigenetic Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies

Depression, a significant mental health disorder, is under intense research scrutiny to uncover its molecular foundations. Epigenetics, which focuses on controlling gene expression without altering DNA sequences, offers promising avenues for innovative treatment. This review explores the pivotal role of epigenetics in depression, emphasizing two key aspects: (I) identifying epigenetic targets for new antidepressants and (II) using personalized medicine based on distinct epigenetic profiles, highlighting potential epigenetic focal points such as DNA methylation, histone structure alterations, and non-coding RNA molecules such as miRNAs. Variations in DNA methylation in individuals with depression provide opportunities to target genes that are associated with neuroplasticity and synaptic activity. Aberrant histone acetylation may indicate that antidepressant strategies involve enzyme modifications. Modulating miRNA levels can reshape depression-linked gene expression. The second section discusses personalized medicine based on epigenetic profiles. Analyzing these patterns could identify biomarkers associated with treatment response and susceptibility to depression, facilitating tailored treatments and proactive mental health care. Addressing ethical concerns regarding epigenetic information, such as privacy and stigmatization, is crucial in understanding the biological basis of depression. Therefore, researchers must consider these issues when examining the role of epigenetics in mental health disorders. The importance of epigenetics in depression is a critical aspect of modern medical research. These findings hold great potential for novel antidepressant medications and personalized treatments, which would significantly improve patient outcomes, and transform psychiatry. As research progresses, it is expected to uncover more complex aspects of epigenetic processes associated with depression, enhance our comprehension, and increase the effectiveness of therapies.

DNA Methylation of PXDN Is Associated with Early-Life Adversity in Adult Mental Disorders

Early-life adversity (ELA) is characterized by exposure to traumatic events during early periods of life, particularly involving emotional, sexual and/or physical adversities during childhood. Mental disorders are strongly influenced by environmental and lifestyle-related risk factors including ELA. However, the molecular link between ELA and the risk of an adult mental disorder is still not fully understood. Evidence is emerging that long-lasting changes in the epigenetic processes regulating gene expression, such as DNA methylation, play an important role in the biological mechanisms linking ELA and mental disorders. Based on a recent study, we analyzed the DNA methylation of a specific CpG site within the gene PXDN-cg10888111-in blood in the context of ELA across a set of psychiatric disorders, namely Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), and its potential contribution to their pathogenesis. We found significant hypermethylation in mentally ill patients with high levels of ELA compared to patients with low levels of ELA, whereas cg10888111 methylation in healthy control individuals was not affected by ELA. Further investigations revealed that this effect was driven by the MDD cohort. Providing a direct comparison of cg10888111 DNA methylation in blood in the context of ELA across three mental disorders, our results indicate the role of PXDN regulation in the response to ELA in the pathogenesis of mental disorders, especially MDD. Further studies will be needed to validate these results and decipher the corresponding biological network that is involved in the transmission of ELA to an adult mental disorder in general.

GPR56: A potential therapeutic target for neurological and psychiatric disorders

GPR56, also known as GPR56/ADGRG1, is a member of the ADGRG subgroup belonging to adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs). aGPCRs are the second largest subfamily of the GPCR superfamily, which is the largest family of membrane protein receptors in the human genome. Studies in recent years have demonstrated that GPR56 is integral to the normal development of the brain and functions as an important player in cortical development, suggesting that GPR56 is involved in many physiological processes. Indeed, aberrant expression of GPR56 has been implicated in multiple neurological and psychiatric disorders, including bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria (BFPP), depression and epilepsy. In a recent study, it was found that upregulated expression of GPR56 reduced depressive-like behaviours in an animal model of depression, indicating that GPR56 plays an important role in the antidepressant response. Given the link of GPR56 with the antidepressant response, the function of GPR56 has become a focus of research. Although GPR56 may be a potential target for the development of antidepressants, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Therefore, in this review, we will summarize the latest findings of GPR56 function in neurological and psychiatric disorders (depression, epilepsy, autism, and BFPP) and emphasize the mechanisms of GPR56 in activation and signalling in those conditions. After reviewing several studies, attributing to its significant biological functions and exceptionally long extracellular N-terminus that interacts with multiple ligands, we draw a conclusion that GPR56 may serve as an important drug target for neuropsychological diseases.

Enacting biosocial complexity: Stress, epigenetic biomarkers and the tools of postgenomics

This article analyses attempts to enact complexity in postgenomic experimentations using the case of epigenetic research on biomarkers of psychosocial stress. Enacting complexity in this research means dissecting multiple so-called biosocial processes of health differentiation in the face of stressful experiences. To characterize enactments of biosocial complexity, the article develops the concepts of complexity work and complexification. The former emphasizes the social, technical, and material work that goes into the production of mixed biological and social representations of stress in epigenetics. The latter underlines how complexity can be assembled differently across distinct configurations of experimental work. Specifically, complexification can be defined as producing, stabilizing, and normalizing novel experimental systems that are supposed to improve techno-scientific enactments of complexity. In the case of epigenetics, complexification entails a reconfiguration of postgenomic experimental systems in ways that some actors deem 'better' at enacting health as a biosocial process. This study of complexity work and complexification shows that biosocial complexity is hardly a univocal enterprise in epigenetics. Consequently, the article calls for abandoning analysis of these research practices using clear-cut dichotomies of reductionism vs. holism, as well as simplicity vs. complexity. More broadly, the article suggests the relevance of a sociology of complexification for STS approaches to complexity in scientific practices. Complementing the existing focus on complexity as instrumental rhetoric in contemporary sciences, complexification directs analytical attention to the pragmatic opportunities that alternative (biosocial) complexities offer to collective, societal, and political thinking about science in society.

Stress from early life to adulthood: Is there a protective role of cognitive control?

Early life events can have long-lasting effects that may impact the quality of life into adulthood. The link between childhood adversities and adult mental and physical health is well documented, however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Executive functions are assumed to be a key factor in successfully dealing with cognitive-emotional challenges thereby contributing to stress resilience and mental health across the lifespan. Here, we examined whether cognitive control moderates the link between early life adversity and depression. Data was available from a sample of 424 participants aged 20-70 years (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05155397). They performed in the Stroop task and behavior as well as frontal theta power were recorded. Negative childhood experiences were assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), chronic stress was measured with the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS) and depression symptoms with Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). The CTQ predicted symptoms of chronic stress and depression. Regression models pointed to the TICS as a crucial mediator in the relationship between CTQ and BDI. However, parameters of cognitive control demonstrated a rather weak effect as moderators. These results indicate that chronic stress is an important mediator linking childhood trauma to depression but suggest only a limited role for cognitive control.

Epigenome-Wide Association Study of Depressive Symptoms in Black Women in the InterGEN Study

(1) The prevalence of depression is two times higher in women than men. Black women have an increased risk of depression due to stressors such as low socioeconomic status and perceived discrimination. Depression is likely influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Psychosocial stressors can influence DNA methylation (DNAm), leading to changes in gene expression and ultimately, depression. The objective of this study was to examine associations between DNAm and depressive symptoms in Black women. (2) This study was a secondary analysis of data from the Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood Pressure (InterGEN) Study. Perceived discrimination was assessed using Krieger's Experiences of Discrimination and Waelde's Race-Related Events Scale, and participants were screened for depressive symptoms with the Beck Depression Inventory. Raw data from saliva samples were analyzed using the Illumina Infinium Epic (850 K) BeadChip and then preprocessed in RStudio. (3) Differential methylation analysis identified DNAm sites and regions associated with depressive symptoms. Six DNAm sites had a q-value less than 0.05. Additionally, of the 25 regions identified, 12 were associated with neurological diseases or disorders. (4) These findings suggest that there is a neurological component to depression, which should be considered during treatment.

Ghrelin/GHSR System in Depressive Disorder: Pathologic Roles and Therapeutic Implications

Depression is the most common chronic mental illness and is characterized by low mood, insomnia, and affective disorders. However, its pathologic mechanisms remain unclear. Numerous studies have suggested that the ghrelin/GHSR system may be involved in the pathophysiologic process of depression. Ghrelin plays a dual role in experimental animals, increasing depressed behavior and decreasing anxiety. By combining several neuropeptides and traditional neurotransmitter systems to construct neural networks, this hormone modifies signals connected to depression. The present review focuses on the role of ghrelin in neuritogenesis, astrocyte protection, inflammatory factor production, and endocrine disruption in depression. Furthermore, ghrelin/GHSR can activate multiple signaling pathways, including cAMP/CREB/BDNF, PI3K/Akt, Jak2/STAT3, and p38-MAPK, to produce antidepressant effects, given which it is expected to become a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of depression.