Xanthoceraside administration produces significant antidepressant effects in mice through activation of the hippocampal BDNF signaling pathway

Toxic effects and safety assessment of Xanthoceras sorbifolium bunge seed kernels

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge (X. sorbifolia), an oil crop native to northern China, is valued for both its edible and medicinal uses. It has various applications, including the production of edible and bioactive oils, and is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the toxicity of X. sorbifolia, particularly its widely used seed kernels, remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and safety risks of X. sorbifolia seed kernels based on human-recommended doses by in vitro or in vivo experiments, and integrating network analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, rats and mice were employed as model organisms to investigate the acute toxicity of X. sorbifolia seed kernels. The experiments included the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation test, red blood cell micronucleus test, spermatocyte chromosome aberration test in mice, and a 90-day exposure study in rats to assess the potential toxicity and safety risks of the seed kernels. Based on this, combined with The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), the biological functions of the main active ingredients of X. sorbifolia were further explored through integrated network analysis, and the anti-inflammatory effect of X. sorbifolia was explored through cotton ball granuloma inflammation experiment.

RESULTS

During the experimental period, animals in all treatment groups demonstrated normal growth and development. Although some detection indicators showed significant differences in different treatment groups, the results were still within a reasonable range. In addition, by screening the CTD, 120 target genes with potential interactions of the main active ingredients in the kernel of X. sorbifolia were obtained for analysis, and it was found that these genes were involved in important biological processes such as response to oxidative stress, response to reactive oxygen species, and regulation of inflammatory response. The cotton ball granuloma inflammation experiment in rats also suggested that X. sorbifolia tended to inhibit the proliferation of granulomas, indicating that the kernel of X. sorbifolia has potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggested that X. sorbifolia seed kernels were safe within the recommended dosage range. As a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, it has certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study provides valuable reference guidelines for the clinical application of X. sorbifolia seed kernels and encourages further research into its potential uses and safety.

A review on triterpenoid and triterpenoid saponins from Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bung

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge, also known as Tu-Mu-Gua and Wen-Dan-Ge-Zi, has several applications. Clinical data and experimental studies have shown anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant properties of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge that inhibits prostate hyperplasia, lowers blood pressure and lipid level, and treats enuresis and urinary incontinence. It also has neuroprotective effects and can treat Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's syndrome. The research on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge has been increasing. Triterpenoid and triterpenoid saponins are the main constituents in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge and exhibit biological activities. In this review, we summarized the research progress on triterpenoids and their glycosides in Xanthoceras sorbifolia, including the chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and biogenic pathways of triterpenoid mother nucleus. The results would provide a reference for further research and development of triterpenoids and their glycosides in Xanthoceras sorbifolia.

MiR-182-5p: A Novel Biomarker in the Treatment of Depression in CSDS-Induced Mice

BACKGROUND

Depression is a neuropsychiatric disease with a high disability rate and mainly caused by the chronic stress or genetic factors. There is increasing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of depression. However, the underlying molecular mechanism for the pathophysiology of depression of miRNA remains entirely unclear so far.

METHODS

We first established a chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) mice model of depression, and depression-like behaviors of mice were evaluated by a series of behavioral tests. Next, we detected several abundantly expressive miRNAs suggested in previous reports to be involved in depression and found miR-182-5p was selected as a candidate for analysis in the hippocampus. Then western blotting and immunofluorescence were used together to examine whether adeno-associated virus (AAV)-siR-182-5p treatment alleviated chronic stress-induced decrease in hippocampal Akt/GSK3β/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway and increase in neurogenesis impairment and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, CREB inhibitor was adopted to examine if blockade of Akt/GSK3β/CREB signaling pathway abolished the antidepressant actions of AAV-siR-182-5p in mice.

RESULTS

Knockdown of miR-182-5p alleviated depression-like behaviors and impaired neurogenesis of CSDS-induced mice. Intriguingly, the usage of agomiR-182-5p produced significant increases in immobility times and aggravated neuronal neurogenesis damage of mice. More importantly, it suggested that 666-15 blocked the reversal effects of AAV-siR-182-5p on the CSDS-induced depressive-like behaviors in behavioral testing and neuronal neurogenesis within hippocampus of mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that hippocampal miR-182-5p/Akt/GSK3β/CREB signaling pathway participated in the pathogenesis of depression, and it might give more opportunities for new drug developments based on the miRNA target in the clinic.

miR-204-5p Plays a Critical Role in the Pathogenesis of Depression and Anti-depression Action of Venlafaxine in the Hippocampus of Mice

BACKGROUND

Venlafaxine has been demonstrated to treat diseases such as social anxiety disorder and depression. Most of antidepressants including venlafaxine have a certain effect, but significant side effects. Therefore, it is necessary for us to research the development of novel antidepressants for effective treatment in practice. MicroRNA-204 (miR-204) is highly expressed in brain tissue, and plays a critical role in the synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons in rats. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of miR-204 remains unclear to date, this study aims to offer unique insights into depression and provide a theoretical basis for clinical physicians.

METHODS

A chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) was initially adopted for establishing a mice model of depression in this research and depression-like behaviors were evaluated by a series of behavioral experiments including the sucrose preference test (SPT), the tail suspension test (TST), the forced swim test (FST) and the social interaction test (SIT). Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was also conducted to test the expression levels of miR-204 and BDNF in the hippocampus of mice. Finally, gene interference of miR-204-5p was further adopted to test whether miR-204-5p played an effective role in the antidepressant effects of venlafaxine in mice.

RESULTS

Our data implicated that CSDS significantly increased the miR-204-5p but not miR-204-3p levels in the hippocampus of mice. The treatment of venlafaxine obviously relieved depression- like behaviors of CSDS-induced mice. The usage of venlafaxine abolished the increasing effects on the expression of miR-204-5p but up-regulated the BDNF expression level in CSDS-exposured mice. More importantly, we found that genetic overexpression of miR-204-5p decreased the reverse effects of venlafaxine on depressive-like behaviors and genetic knockdown of hippocampal miR-204-5p relieved the depressive-like behaviors and neurogenesis in CSDS-induced mice.

CONCLUSION

miR-204-5p played an effective role in the antidepressant effects of venlafaxine in CSDS-induced mice.

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis: pharmacological mechanisms of antidepressant active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine

Depression is characterized by prominent indicators and manifestations, such as anhedonia, which refers to the inability to experience pleasure, and persistent feelings of hopelessness. In clinical practice, the primary treatment approach involves the utilization of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related pharmacological interventions. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that these agents are associated with significant adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) adopts a multifaceted approach, targeting diverse components, multiple targets, and various channels of action. TCM has potential antidepressant effects. Anomalies in adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) constitute a pivotal factor in the pathology of depression, with the regulation of AHN emerging as a potential key measure to intervene in the pathogenesis and progression of this condition. This comprehensive review presented an overview of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of active ingredients found in TCM. Through examination of recent studies, we explored how these ingredients modulated AHN. Furthermore, we critically assessed the current limitations of research in this domain and proposed novel strategies for preclinical investigation and clinical applications in the treatment of depression in future.

Role of BDNF-TrkB signaling in the antidepressant-like actions of loganin, the main active compound of Corni Fructus

AIMS

Corni Fructus (CF) and some CF-contained prescriptions are commonly used in clinical treatment of depression. This investigation aims to evaluate the main active compound of CF in antidepressant properties and its key target.

METHODS

Firstly, this study established a behavioral despair model and used high-performance liquid chromatography method to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of water extract, 20%, 50%, and 80% ethanol extracts of CF, and its main active compound. Then, this study created chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model to assess loganin's antidepressant-like properties, and its target was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, Immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) inhibitor.

RESULTS

Results showed that the different extracts of CF significantly shortened the immobility time in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Moreover, loganin alleviated CUMS-induced depression-like behavior, promoted neurotrophy and neurogenesis, and inhibited neuroinflammation. Furthermore, K252a blocked the improvement of loganin on depression-like behavior, and eliminated the enhancement of neurotrophy and neurogenesis and the inhibition of neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these results indicated that loganin could be used as a major active compound of CF for the antidepressant-like properties and exerted antidepressant-like actions by regulating brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-TrkB signaling, and TrkB could be used as key target for itsantidepressant-like actions.

Roles of microglia in adult hippocampal neurogenesis in depression and their therapeutics

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis generates functional neurons from neural progenitor cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) to complement and repair neurons and neural circuits, thus benefiting the treatment of depression. Increasing evidence has shown that aberrant microglial activity can disrupt the appropriate formation and development of functional properties of neurogenesis, which will play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of depression. However, the mechanisms of the crosstalk between microglia and adult hippocampal neurogenesis in depression are not yet fully understood. Therefore, in this review, we first introduce recent discoveries regarding the roles of microglia and adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the etiology of depression. Then, we systematically discuss the possible mechanisms of how microglia regulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis in depression according to recent studies, which involve toll-like receptors, microglial polarization, fractalkine-C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis, etc. In addition, we summarize the promising drugs that could improve the adult hippocampal neurogenesis by regulating the microglia. These findings will help us understand the complicated pathological mechanisms of depression and shed light on the development of new treatment strategies for this disease.

Study on the Phenotypic Diversity of 33 Ornamental Xanthoceras sorbifolium Cultivars

Xanthoceras sorbifolium, belonging to the family Sapindaceae, has a beautiful tree shape, elegant leaves, large and many brightly colored flowers, and a long flowering duration. This plant is widely applied in gardens. In this study, 33 cultivars of Xanthoceras sorbifolium were selected from the perspective of ornamental properties, and their phenotypic traits, such as leaves, flowers, and branches, were measured and analyzed, and their phenotypic diversity was comprehensively evaluated using principal component analysis, in order to investigate the phenotypic diversity characteristics of Xanthoceras sorbifolium. The results showed that the genetic diversity index of the qualitative traits varied from 0.14 to 1.50, and that of quantitative traits varied from 1.76 to 2.05. The quantitative traits were more diverse than the qualitative traits. The coefficient of variation of the qualitative traits ranged from 16.90% to 57.96%, and that of quantitative traits ranged from 12.92% to 32.87%. The phenotypic traits of the tested cultivars had relatively rich variation. Furthermore, the level of the phenotypic diversity index of Xanthoceras sorbifolium was not consistent with the level of coefficient of variation, indicating large variation and uneven distribution of variation. Through principal component analysis, 17 quantitative characters were extracted into five principal components, with a cumulative contribution rate of 79.82%, representing the primary information on the quantitative characters of ornamental Xanthoceras sorbifolium cultivars. The F value of the 33 samples ranged from -2.79 to 1.93, and the comprehensive scores of seven cultivars were greater than 1, indicating that these cultivars had rich phenotypic diversity. Therefore, the screening, development, and utilization of fine germplasm resources of Xanthoceras sorbifolium should focus on these cultivars. The 33 cultivars were subsequently clustered into five categories through systematic clustering. The cluster analysis provided references for breeding ornamental Xanthoceras sorbifolium cultivars with different utilization values, such as large white flowers, small red flowers, large red flowers, large orange flowers, and double-petaled flowers.

Ginsenoside Rh2 administration produces crucial antidepressant-like effects in a CUMS-induced mice model of depression

INTRODUCTION

The most striking feature of depression is sadness and a loss of interest in activities, which represents a major cause of disability globally. Therefore, it is necessary to identify novel antidepressants for clinical practice. Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) is one of the major bioactive ginsenosides that can be extracted from Panax ginseng and has been demonstrated to improve both memory and learning. The purpose of this study was to provide broad insight into the mechanisms underlying depression and gain greater insights into antidepressant therapy.

METHODS

In this study, we first established an effective and feasible depression animal model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and behavioral testing was evaluated by the forced swim test (FST), the tail suspension test (TST) and the sucrose preference test. Following pretreatment with Rh2 (10 and 20 mg/kg), the immobility time of mice was reduced without affecting locomotor activity in both the FST and TST. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the activation of the hippocampal BDNF signaling pathway and hippocampal neurogenesis.

RESULTS

Different concentrations of Rh2 significantly reduced depressive-like symptoms in CUMS-induced mice and downregulated the effects of the BDNF signaling cascade and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the administration of K252a completely prevented the antidepressant-like activity of Rh2 in mice.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that Rh2 possesses the antidepression action via the positive regulation of the BDNF-TrkB pathway.

Antidepressant-like activity of oroxylin A in mice models of depression: A behavioral and neurobiological characterization

Depression is a mood disorder which causes a huge economic burden to both families and societies. However, those monoamine-based antidepressants used in clinical practice have been found to have various limitations. Therefore, currently it is very necessary to explore novel antidepressant targets and medications. As a main active component extracted from Scutellariae radix, oroxylin A possesses many pharmacological functions such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. Here, the present study aims to investigate whether oroxylin A possess antidepressant-like actions using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and chronic restraint stress (CRS) models of depression, forced swim test, tail suspension test, open field test, sucrose preference test, western blotting, immunofluorescence and viral-mediated gene interference. Our results revealed that treatment of oroxylin A fully prevented both the CUMS-induced and CRS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Moreover, the protecting effects of oroxylin A against CUMS and CRS on mice behaviors were accompanied with a significant enhancement on the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated tyrosine kinase B (pTrkB), phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein (pCREB) and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Furthermore, genetic knockdown of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus remarkably abolished the antidepressant-like efficacy of oroxylin A in both the CUMS and CRS models of depression, proving that the hippocampal BDNF-TrkB system participates in the antidepressant mechanism of oroxylin A. In summary, our findings are the first evidence showing that oroxylin A possesses potential of being an antidepressant candidate.

Neuroprotective Effects of Estrogen Through BDNF-Transient Receptor Potential Channels 6 Signaling Pathway in the Hippocampus in a Rat Model of Perimenopausal Depression

Estradiol (E₂) has been proven to be effective in treating perimenopausal depression (PD); however, the downstream signaling pathways have not been fully elucidated. Transient receptor potential channels 6 (TRPC6) plays a vital role in promoting neuronal development and the formation of excitatory synapses. At present, we found that the serum levels of E₂ and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) declined significantly in the women with PD compared to perimenopausal women, which was accompanied by a clear reduction in TRPC6 levels. To further reveal the effects of TRPC6 on neuronal survival and excitability, the PD-like rat model was established by the total removal of left ovary and 80% removal of right ovary followed by 21 days of the chronic unpredictable mild stress. Intragastric administration of E₂ (2 mg/kg), intraperitoneal injection of BDNF/TrB signaling pathway inhibitor (K252a, 100 μg/kg) and TRPC6 agonist (OAG, 0.6 mg/kg), and intracerebroventricular infusion of anti-BDNF antibody for blocking BDNF (0.5 μg/24 μl/rat) daily for 21 days were conducted. The levels of BDNF and TRPC6 in rat serum were lower in PD rats compared to the control rats; the depression-like behavior was induced, the neuronal death rate in the hippocampus increased, and the thickness of postsynaptic density (PSD) and the number of asymmetric synapses decreased significantly in the PD group. E₂ treatment greatly upregulated the serum levels of BDNF and TRPC6, the neuronal excitability indicated by an elevation in the PSD thickness and the numbers of asymmetric synapses, and these actions were reversed by K252a; co-administration of TRPC6 agonist and K252a improved neuronal degeneration and increased the neuronal excitability induced in the E₂-treated PD rats. K252a or anti-BDNF antibody inhibited the increased neuronal BDNF and TRPC6 expression in E₂-treated PD rats; co-treatment of TRPC6 agonist and anti-BDNF antibody reduced neuronal death and increased the BDNF and TRPC6 expression in the hippocampal CA1 neurons in the E₂-treated PD rats. These results suggest that the neuroprotective role of E₂ in PD is closely related to enhance the activity of BDNF/TRPC6 pathway and is helpful to provide new prevention and strategies.

Hippocampal miR-124 Participates in the Pathogenesis of Depression via Regulating the Expression of BDNF in a Chronic Social Defeat Stress Model of Depression

OBJECTIVE

As one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, the exact pathogenesis of depression remains elusive. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel antidepressants for effective treatment. MicroRNA-124 (miR-124), the most abundant miRNA in brain tissue, plays a key effect on adult neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. However, the mechanism of miR-124 in depression has not been clarified so far. The aim of this study is to provide broad insight into the mechanisms underlying depression.

METHODS

In the study, we used the forced swim test (FST), the tail suspension test (TST), and a Chronic Social Defeat Stress (CSDS) mice model of depression. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, immunofluorescence and virus-mediated gene transfer were used together. The level of plasma corticosterone in mice was analyzed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

It was found that CSDS robustly increased the level of miR-124 in the hippocampus. Genetic knockdown of hippocampal miR-124 produced significant antidepressant-like effects in the CSDS model of depression. Furthermore, AAV-siR-124-EGFP treatment increased the level of plasma corticosterone in CSDS-induced mice. Moreover, it was found that the antidepressant-like effects induced by miR-124 inhibition required the hippocampal BDNF-TrkB system.

CONCLUSION

Hippocampal miR-124 participated in the pathogenesis of depression by regulating BDNF biosynthesis and was a feasible antidepressant target.

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge: A Review on Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Applications

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge (Sapindaceae) is a native Chinese plant with promising applications as a biofuel feedstock and a source of novel drugs. Historical records and documents from different periods have mentioned the use of X. sorbifolium and its botanical constituents in treating diseases, highlighting its central role in Chinese and Mongolian traditional medicinal therapies. Phytochemical research has focused on the husks, leaves, trunks, and branches of this herb. A total of 278 chemical compounds have been isolated and divided into 8 categories: triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, steroids, phenols, fatty acids, alkaloids, and quinones. Modern pharmacological studies on X. sorbifolium have demonstrated positive effects on learning and memory, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-oxidative properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the available research on X. sorbifolium, focusing on the relationship between chemical constituents, traditional uses, and pharmacological effects. We also assess the potential for therapeutic and other applications of this plant in support of further research and development of X. sorbifolium.