Meranzin hydrate exhibits anti-depressive and prokinetic-like effects through regulation of the shared alpha 2-adrenoceptor in the brain–gut axis of rats in the forced swimming test

Mind shift I: Fructus Aurantii - Rhizoma Chuanxiong synergistically anchors stress-induced depression-like behaviours and gastrointestinal dysmotility cluster by regulating psycho-immune-neuroendocrine network

BACKGROUND

Researchers have not studied the integrity, orderly correlation, and dynamic openness of complex organisms and explored the laws of systems from a global perspective. In the context of reductionism, antidepressant development formerly focused on advanced technology and molecular details, clear targets and mechanisms, but the clinical results were often unsatisfactory.

PURPOSE

MDD represents an aggregate of different and highly diverse disease subtypes. The co-occurrence of stress-induced nonrandom multimorbidity is widespread, whereas only a fraction of the potential clusters are well known, such as the MDD-FGID cluster. Mapping these clusters, and determining which are nonrandom, is vital for discovering new mechanisms, developing treatments, and reconfiguring services to better meet patient needs.

STUDY DESIGN

Acute stress 15-minute forced swimming (AFS) or CUMS protocols can induce the nonrandom MDD-FGID cluster. Multiple biological processes of rats with depression-like behaviours and gastrointestinal dysmobility will be captured under conditions of stress, and the Fructus Aurantii-Rhizoma Chuanxiong (ZQCX) decoction will be utilized to dock the MDD-FGID cluster.

METHODS/RESULTS

Here, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, one of the seven components of Chaihu-shugan-San, elicited the best antidepressant effect on CUMS rats, followed by Fructus Aurantii. ZQCX reversed AFS-induced depression-like behaviours and gastrointestinal dysmobility by regulating the glutamatergic system, AMPAR/BDNF/mTOR/synapsin I pathway, ghrelin signalling and gastrointestinal nitric oxide synthase. Based on the bioethnopharmacological analysis strategy, the determined meranzin hydrate (MH) and senkyunolide I (SI) by UPLC-PDA, simultaneously absorbed by the jejunum and hippocampus of rats, have been considered major absorbed bioactive compounds acting on behalf of ZQCX. Cotreatment with MH and SI at an equivalent dose in ZQCX synergistically replicated over 50.33 % efficacy of the parent formula in terms of antidepressant and prokinetic actions by modulating neuroinflammation and ghrelin signalling.

CONCLUSION

Brain-centric mind shifts require the integration of multiple central and peripheral systems and the elucidation of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that ultimately contribute to novel therapeutic options. Ghrelin signalling and the immune system may partially underlie multimorbidity vulnerability, and ZQCX anchors stress-induced MDD-FGID clusters by docking them. Combining the results of micro details with the laws of the macro world may be more effective in finding treatments for MDD.

Phytomedicine Fructus Aurantii-derived two absorbed compounds unlock antidepressant and prokinetic multi-functions via modulating 5-HT3/GHSR

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fructus Aurantii (FA), a well-known phytomedicine, has been employed to evoke antidepressant and prokinetic multi-functions. Therein, systematically identifying bioactive components and the referred mechanism is essential for FA.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was planned to answer "2 W" (What and Why), such as which components and pathways contribute to FA's multi-functions. We aimed to identify bioactive compounds as the key for opening the lock of FA's multi-functions, and the molecule mechanisms are their naturally matched lock cylinder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phytochemical content of FA extract was determined, and the compounds were identified in rats pretreated with FA using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The contribution strategy was used to assess bioactive compounds' efficacy (doses = their content in FA) in model rats with the mechanism. The changes in functional brain regions were determined via 7.0 T functional magnetic resonance imaging-blood oxygen level-dependent (fMRI-BOLD).

RESULT

Eight phytochemicals' content was detected, and merely six components were identified in rats in vivo. Meranzin hydrate + hesperidin (MH), as the primary contributor of FA, exerted antidepressant and prokinetic effects (improvement of indexes for immobility time, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, CRH, ghrelin, ACTH, DA, NA, 5-HT, CORT, and 5-HT3) by regulating 5-HT3/Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) pathway. These results were validated by 5-HT2A, 5-HT3, and GHSR receptor antagonists combined with molecule docking. MH restored the excessive BOLD activation of the left accumbens nucleus, left corpus callosum and hypothalamus preoptic region.

CONCLUSION

Absorbed MH accounts for FA's anti-depressant and prokinetic efficacy in acutely-stressed rats, primarily via 5-HT3/GHSR shared regulation.

Correlations between flavor and fermentation days and changes in quality-related physiochemical characteristics of fermented Aurantii Fructus

The effects of different fermentation times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days) on the physicochemical properties and flavor components of fermented Aurantii Fructus (FAF) were evaluated. Component analysis identified 66 compounds in positive ion mode and 32 compounds in negative ion mode. Flash GC e-nose results showed that propanal, (+)-limonene and n-nonanal may be the flavor characteristic components that distinguish FAF with different fermentation days. Furthermore, we found that the change of total flavonoid content was closely related to colony growth vitality. The total flavonoid content of FAF gradually decreased from 3rd day and then increased from 5th day (3rd day: 0.766 ± 0.123 mg/100 g; 4th day: 0.464 ± 0.001 mg/100 g; 5th day: 0.850 ± 0.192 mg/100 g). Finally, according to antioxidant activity correlation analysis, meranzin, (+)-limonene and total flavonoids were found to be the key substances affecting the fermentation days of FAF. Overall, the optimal fermentation time for FAF was 4 days.

Antidepressant effects of coumarins and their derivatives: A critical analysis of research advances

Coumarins and their derivatives are non-flavonoids polyphenols with diverse pharmacological activities including anti-depressant effects. This study systematically examines the antidepressant effects of coumarins and their derivatives in relation to time series of research progress in the pharmacological pathways, association with other diseases, toxicity and bibliometric analysis. The review was approached using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) coupled with R package involving Biblioshiny, a web interface for Bibliometrix analysis and VOSviewer software analytic tools. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed from the inception through January 21, 2023. Coumarins, depression, coumarin derivatives and treatment were the main search terms used which resulted in the inclusion of 46 eligible publications. Scopoletin, psoralen, 7-hydroxycoumarin, meranzin hydrate, osthole, esculetin/umbelliferone were the most studied coumarins with antidepressant effects. Coumarins and their derivatives exerted antidepressant effects with a stronger affinity for monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition and, their inhibitory effect via neurotransmitter pathway on MAO is well-studied. However, epigenetic modification, neuroendocrine, neurotrophic pathways are understudied. Recent research focuses on their antidepressant effects which targeted cytokines and fibromyalgia. There is a link between the gut microbiome, the brain, and depression; meranzin hydrate exerts an antidepressant activity by remodelling the gastrointestinal system. We established that empirical data on some coumarins and their derivatives to support their antidepressant effects are limited. Likewise, the safe dose range for several coumarins and their derivatives is yet to be fully determined.

Chaihu-Shugan-San ameliorates tumor growth in prostate cancer promoted by depression via modulating sphingolipid and glycerinphospholipid metabolism

Background: Psychologic depression is a pivotal pathological characteristic and has been shown to promote prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS), a well-known Chinese herbal decoction, exhibits efficacy in the treatment of stress-accelerated PCa. However, the underlying mechanism of CSS in resisting PCa growth is still unknown, and further study is needed. Objective: To evaluate the effects of CSS on stress-accelerated PCa in a BALB/C nude mice model and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: PC-3 cells were implanted into BALB/C nude mice, and the stressed mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to study the effects of CSS. The PCa growth were evaluated by tumor volume and tumor weight. Analyses of depression-like behaviors were evaluated by sucrose consumption test, tail suspension test and open field test. Network pharmacology was used to analyze the potential targets and signaling pathways of CSS against PCa. Untargeted lipidomics were used to analyze the serum lipid profiles and further elucidate the possible mechanism. Results: In the CUMS stressed PCa mice, CSS can restrain tumor growth with reduced tumor volume and tumor weight, and depression-like behaviors with increased sucrose consumption, reduced immobility duration, and increased total distance and center distance. Network pharmacology suggested that the lipid metabolism-related pathways are the most likely potential targets of CSS against PCa. Using untargeted lipidomics analysis, 62 lipids were found to have significant changes in PCa mice under CUMS treatment. The levels of glycerophospholipids containing phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG), except PC (18:0_22:6) and PC (18:0_20:4), were significantly increased. Likewise, the levels of all sphingolipids (including sphingomyelin (SM), ceramides (Cer) and hexosyl-1-ceramide (Hex1Cer)) and diglyceride (DG) (32:1e) were significantly increased. CSS water extract was found to contribute to restore 32 lipids including 6 sphingolipids, 25 glycerophospholipids and 1 glyceride. Conclusion: This study is the first to delineate the lipid profile of stressed PCa BALB/C nude mice using untargeted lipidomics analysis. CSS restrained tumor growth and ameliorated depression-like behaviors by reprogramming lipid metabolism. Intervention of lipid metabolism could be a preventive and therapeutic approach for PCa patients with depression.

Coumarins as Fungal Metabolites with Potential Medicinal Properties

Coumarins are a structurally varied set of 2H-chromen-2-one compounds categorized also as members of the benzopyrone group of secondary metabolites. Coumarin derivatives attract interest owing to their wide practical application and the unique reactivity of fused benzene and pyrone ring systems in molecular structure. Coumarins have their own specific fingerprints as antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiadipogenic, cytotoxic, apoptosis, antitumor, antitubercular, and cytotoxicity agents. Natural products have played an essential role in filling the pharmaceutical pipeline for thousands of years. Biological effects of natural coumarins have laid the basis of low-toxic and highly effective drugs. Presently, more than 1300 coumarins have been identified in plants, bacteria, and fungi. Fungi as cultivated microbes have provided many of the nature-inspired syntheses of chemically diverse drugs. Endophytic fungi bioactivities attract interest, with applications in fields as diverse as cancer and neuronal injury or degeneration, microbial and parasitic infections, and others. Fungal mycelia produce several classes of bioactive molecules, including a wide group of coumarins. Of promise are further studies of conditions and products of the natural and synthetic coumarins’ biotransformation by the fungal cultures, aimed at solving the urgent problem of searching for materials for biomedical engineering. The present review evaluates the fungal coumarins, their structure-related peculiarities, and their future therapeutic potential. Special emphasis has been placed on the coumarins successfully bioprospected from fungi, whereas an industry demand for the same coumarins earlier found in plants has faced hurdles. Considerable attention has also been paid to some aspects of the molecular mechanisms underlying the coumarins’ biological activity. The compounds are selected and grouped according to their cytotoxic, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and miscellaneous effects.

Research progress on classical traditional chinese medicine formula xiaoyaosan in the treatment of depression

Depression is an emotional disorder that is problematic in psychiatry owing to its unclear etiology and unknown pathogenesis. Traditional Chinese medicine formulations such as Xiaoyaosan have been widely used throughout history to treat depression. In this review, we have focused on recent evidences elucidating the links between Xiaoyaosan and the treatment of depression. Data from animal and clinical studies, focusing on the pharmacological mechanisms, clinical applications, and effective materials that form the basis for the treatment of depression are presented and discussed. We found that the antidepressant effects of Xiaoyaosan are related to the effects of monoamine neurotransmitters, regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neuroplasticity, synaptic plasticity, inflammatory response, neuroprotection, brain-gut axis, regulation of intestinal microbiota, oxidative stress, and autophagy for reducing neuronal apoptosis. This review highlights the current evidence supporting the use of Xiaoyaosan as an antidepressant and provides an overview of the potential mechanisms involved.

Meranzin Hydrate Improves Depression-Like Behaviors and Hypomotility via Ghrelin and Neurocircuitry

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether meranzin hydrate (MH) can alleviate depression-like behavior and hypomotility similar to Chaihu Shugan Powder (CSP), and further explore the potential common mechanisms.

METHODS

Totally 120 Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5-8 groups including sham, vehicle, fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), mosapride (10 mg/kg), CSP (30 g/kg), MH (9.18 mg/kg), [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (Dlys, 0.5 mg/kg), and MH+Dlys groups by a random number table, 8 rats in each group. And 32 mice were randomly divided into wild-type, MH (18 mg/kg), growth hormone secretagogue receptor-knockout (GHSR-KO), and GHSR+MH groups, 8 mice in each group. The forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), gastric emptying (GE) test, and intestinal transit (IT) test were used to assess antidepressant and prokinetic (AP) effects after drug single administration for 30 min with absorbable identification in rats and mice, respectively. The protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) in the hippocampus of rats were evaluated by Western blot. The differences in functional brain changes were determined via 7.0 T functional magnetic resonance imaging-blood oxygen level-dependent (fMRI-BOLD).

RESULTS

MH treatment improved depression-like behavior (FST, OFT) and hypomotility (GE, IT) in the acute forced swimming (FS) rats (all P<0.05), and the effects are similar to the parent formula CSP. The ghrelin antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 inhibited the effect of MH on FST and GE (P<0.05). Similarly, MH treatment also alleviated depression-like behavior (FST, TST) in the wild-type mice, however, no effects were found in the GHSR KO mice. Additionally, administration of MH significantly stimulated BDNF and p-mTOR protein expressions in the hippocampus (both P<0.01), which were also prevented by [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (P<0.01). Besides, 3 main BOLD foci following acute FS rats implicated activity in hippocampus-thalamus-basal ganglia (HTB) circuits. The [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 synchronously inhibited BOLD HTB foci. As expected, prokinetic mosapride only had effects on the thalamus and basal ganglia, but not on the hippocampus. Within the HTB, the hippocampus is implicated in depression and FD.

CONCLUSIONS

MH accounts for part of AP effects of parent formula CSP in acute FS rats, mainly via ghrelin-related shared regulation coupled to BOLD signals in brain areas. This novel functionally connection of HTB following acute stress, treatment, and regulation highlights anti-depression unified theory.

Effects of Meranzin Hydrate On the LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network in the Hippocampus of a Rat Model of Depression

Meranzin hydrate (MH) is a frequently used antidepressant drug in China; however it underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore whether MH could ameliorate depression-like behavior in rats by regulating the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. We developed a depression-like rat model using an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) protocol, and the differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were identified between the model group and MH group. Then, a ceRNA network responding to MH treatment was constructed by their corresponding relationships in the databases. Finally, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were conducted to explore molecular mechanisms associated with MH treatment. The study indicated that rats in the model group showed loss of weight and deteriorated behavior in behavior tests compared with rats in the normal group. A total of 826 lncRNAs, 121 miRNAs, and 954 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the hippocampus of UCMS rats after MH treatment. In addition, 13 miRNAs were selected, and 12 of them were validated in the hippocampus by qRT-PCR. Then, we predicted upstream lncRNAs and downstream mRNAs of the validated miRNAs and interacted with the results of microarrays. Eventually, a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, responding to MH treatment, was constructed based on the 314 lncRNAs, 11 miRNAs, and 221 mRNAs. KEGG pathways suggested that these genes may be highly related to Wnt signaling, axon guidance, and MAPK signaling pathways. All these results suggest that MH may be a potential representative compound for the treatment of depression, and its mechanism of action is related to the ceRNA modification.

Metabolic Profile of C-Prenyl Coumarins Using Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics

C-prenyl coumarins (C-PYCs) are compounds with similar structures and various bioactivities, which are widely distributed in medicinal plants. Until now, the metabolic characterizations of C-PYCs and the relationship between metabolism and bioactivities remain unclear. In this study, ultra-performance chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based metabolomics (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) was firstly used to determine the metabolic characterizations of three C-PYCs, including meranzin hydrate (MH), isomeranzin (ISM), and meranzin (MER). In total, 52 metabolites were identified, and all of them were found to be novel metabolites. Among these metabolites, 10 were from MH, 22 were from ISM, and 20 were from MER. The major metabolic pathways of these C-PYCs were hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, demethylation, and conjugation with cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, and glucuronide. The metabolic rate of MH was much lower than ISM and MER, which was only 27.1% in MLM and 8.7% in HLM, respectively. Additionally, recombinant cytochrome P450 (CYP) screening showed that CYP1A1, 2B6, 3A4, and 3A5 were the major metabolic enzymes involved in the formation of metabolites. Further bioactivity assays indicated that all of these three C-PYCs exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, but the effects of ISM and MER were slightly higher than MH, accompanied by a significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines transcription induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in macrophages RAW 264.7. Taken together, the metabolic characterizations of the three C-PYCs suggested that the side chain of the prenyl group may impact the metabolism and biological activity of C-PYCs.

Fungal Endophytes as Efficient Sources of Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds and Their Prospective Applications in Natural Product Drug Discovery: Insights, Avenues, and Challenges

Fungal endophytes are well-established sources of biologically active natural compounds with many producing pharmacologically valuable specific plant-derived products. This review details typical plant-derived medicinal compounds of several classes, including alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, lignans, phenylpropanoids, quinones, saponins, terpenoids, and xanthones that are produced by endophytic fungi. This review covers the studies carried out since the first report of taxol biosynthesis by endophytic Taxomyces andreanae in 1993 up to mid-2020. The article also highlights the prospects of endophyte-dependent biosynthesis of such plant-derived pharmacologically active compounds and the bottlenecks in the commercialization of this novel approach in the area of drug discovery. After recent updates in the field of 'omics' and 'one strain many compounds' (OSMAC) approach, fungal endophytes have emerged as strong unconventional source of such prized products.

Meranzin hydrate elicits antidepressant effects and restores reward circuitry

The burden of depression is enormous, and numerous studies have found that major depressive disorder (MDD) induces cardiovascular disorders (CVD) and functional dyspepsia (FD). Excitingly, meranzin hydrate (MH), an absorbed bioactive compound of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, reverses psychosocial stress-induced mood disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction and cardiac disease. Pharmacological methods have repeatedly failed in antidepressant development over the past few decades, but repairing aberrant neural circuits might be a reasonable strategy. This article aimed to explore antidepressant-like effects and potential mechanisms of MH in a rat model of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). Utilizing blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we sought to find reliable neurocircuits or a dominant brain region revealing the multiple effects of MH. The results show that compared with UCMS rats, MH (10 mg/kg/day for 1 week i.g.)-treated rats exhibited decreased depression-like behaviour; increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus; and normalized levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), and acylated ghrelin (AG). Additionally, the UCMS-induced rise in BOLD activation in the reward system was attenuated after MH treatment. A literature search shown that nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hypothalamus of the reward system might reveal multiple effects of MH on MDD-FD-CVD comorbidity. Further research will focus on the role of these two brain regions in treating depression associated with comorbidities.

Antidepression and Prokinetic Effects of Paeoniflorin on Rats in the Forced Swimming Test via Polypharmacology

Paeoniflorin, an organic compound extracted from the roots of the white peony (Paeonia lactiflora) plant, has previously been shown to exert antidepression and prokinetic effects. The traditional Chinese prescription Si-Ni-San, of which paeoniflorin is a constituent, is often used in treating depression and functional gastrointestinal disorders. The effectiveness of Si-Ni-San has been shown to be less effective in a paeoniflorin-deleted form. The present study further investigates whether paeoniflorin alone is as effective as herbal prescriptions in which the compound is a constituent, specifically any antidepressive and prokinetic effect on rats subjected to a forced swimming test (FST). The FST was used to establish the depression model. Sprague-Dawley rats were administrated with 10 mg/kg paeoniflorin by gastrogavage three times before the behavioral test and gastrointestinal motility tests, respectively. In antidepression studies, fluoxetine was used as the positive control. In order to determine the effect of paeoniflorin on the gastrointestinal movement, mosapride was used as the positive control. Plasma and hippocampus monoamine, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), superoxide dismutase (SOD), methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), ghrelin, motilin, and hippocampus nitric oxide (NO) were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gastrointestinal (GI) motility was measured in vivo and in vitro. Rats subjected to FST showed decreased gastric emptying and intestinal transit in vivo, decreased plasma and hippocampus 5-hydroxytryptamine, norepinephrine, dopamine, ghrelin, motilin, and reduced plasma BDNF and SOD as well as increased plasma and hippocampus corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone, plasma MDA, and hippocampus NO. Paeoniflorin reversed these symptoms in a similar manner to fluoxetine and mosapride, respectively. In vitro, paeoniflorin can stimulate the jejunal contract of healthy rats dose-dependently. The results suggest that paeoniflorin can simultaneously exert antidepression and prokinetic effects via polypharmacology.

Deciphering the compatibility rules of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions based on NMR metabolomics: A case study of Xiaoyaosan

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiaoyaosan (XYS), a represent and classic TCM prescription, consists of Radix Bupleuri, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Poria, Herba Menthae, Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens and Radix Glycyrrhizae. XYS can sooth the liver and strengthen the spleen through improving the circulation of qi and nourishing blood according to the TCM theory, therefore exhibiting anti-depression effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to investigate the compatibility rule of antidepressant effect of XYS by using both the "Efficacy Compositions" research strategy and fecal metabolomics approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

XYS was divided into two efficacy groups, i.e. the Shugan (SG) and the Jianpi (JP) groups, according to the efficacies of both XYS and the eight herbs recorded in the TCM theory and the research strategy of "Efficacy Compositions". A CUMS-induced depression model was constructed, where rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: negative control (NC), CUMS model (MS), XYS, SG, and JP. Multivariate data analysis including Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminate Analysis (OPLS-DA) was utilized. Efficacy Index (EI) was calculated.

RESULTS

Metabolic profiling by PCA showed that XYS exhibited the strongest effect than the two efficacy groups, locating closest to the control group. OPLS-DA showed 10 metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers for the CUMS-induced depression. 8 potential biomarkers were significantly reversed by XYS while 5 and 4 biomarkers were reversed by SG and JP, respectively. The results of regulatory degrees showed that XYS had the highest EI than SG and JP. Concerning metabolic pathways, XYS regulated all the seven metabolic pathways associated with CUMS-induced depression, while SG and JP groups regulated six and three pathways, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The antidepressant effect of XYS was stronger than that of SG and JP. The combined effects of SG and JP brought the integrated antidepressant effect of XYS. This study suggests that a combination of "Efficacy Compositions" strategy and metabolomics approach has great potentials in comprehensively and deeply understanding the scientific connotation of the compatibility rule of TCM prescriptions.

The Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Zhike-Houpu Herbal Pair on Depressive Behaviors and Hippocampal Serotonin 1A Receptors in Rats After Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress

OBJECTIVE

Zhike-Houpu herbal pair (ZKHPHP) is a well-known Chinese medicine to treat gastrointestinal motility dysfunction. Recently, many researchers have found that some of the compounds of ZKHPHP such as meranzin hydrate and magnolol have antidepressant effects. However, little is known about the antidepressant mechanism of ZKHPHP. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of ZKHPHP and its possible mechanism of action on 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (HTR1A) in the hippocampus CA1 region in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress.

METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following six groups: normal, model, ZKHPHP (3 g/kg), ZKHPHP (10 g/kg), ZKHPHP (20 g/kg), and ZKHPHP (30 g/kg); n = 8 per group. We exposed the rats to chronic unpredictable mild stress and then assessed antidepressant-like effects of ZKHPHP by measuring weight change, observing the open-field test, and measuring sucrose water consumption. The antidepressant mechanism was examined by measuring the effect of ZKHPHP on HTR1A protein expression and HTR1A mRNA expression in the hippocampus CA1 region by using immunohistochemistry analysis, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

ZKHPHP (10 or 20 g/kg) reduced the incidence of depressive-like behaviors and increased HTR1A protein and HTR1A mRNA expression in the hippocampus CA1 in rats displaying depressive behavior, whereas ZKHPHP (3 or 30 g/kg) had no obvious effect on the measured depression indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that ZKHPHP has antidepressant-like effects based on a chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression model in rats. ZKHPHP may be attractive as an antidepressant because of its beneficial effects on depression and the absence of gastrointestinal dysregulation, which is a frequently observed unintended effect of many commonly used antidepressive medications.

Development of an Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for Simultaneous Determination of Six Active Compounds in Fructus aurantii and Rat Plasma and Its Application to a Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats Administered with Different Doses

A rapid, accurate, and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method was established for simultaneously detecting naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, meranzin hydrate, naringenin, and hesperetin in Fructus aurantii (FA) decoction. Analysis was performed on Waters BEH (R) C18 (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min by using (A) acetonitrile and (B) 0.5% acetic acid-water as the mobile phase. The method was well validated on linearity, precision, recoveries, and stability. Then, we used the same UHPLC conditions for quantitative analysis of meranzin hydrate, naringenin, and hesperetin in rat plasma. The method proved to be linear within the concentration ranges of 3.3-3300 ng/mL for meranzin hydrate, 6.95-3555 ng/mL for naringenin, and 1.8-236 ng/mL for hesperetin. The RSD of precision ranged from 1.22% to 9.08%, and the average extraction recovery ranged from 96.49 ± 1.42% to 102.01 ± 3.16%. Besides, we performed a comparative pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of FA decoction at a low dose of 15 g/kg and high dose of 30 g/kg body weight for seven days to rats. The AUC_(0-t) and C_max of meranzin hydrate, naringenin, and hesperetin were multiplied significantly with the increase of FA dosage, and the t_1/2 of meranzin hydrate was faster than naringenin and hesperetin in the two groups.

Protective Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine Rhizoma drynariae in Rats After Traumatic Brain Injury and Identification of Active Compound

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the USA. Effective therapeutic strategies for TBI are needed, and increasing attention is turning toward traditional herbal medicine. Rhizoma drynariae is a traditional Chinese medicine that has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, using the controlled cortical impact model of TBI in rats, we examined whether oral administration of R. drynariae can reduce TBI-induced brain injury in rats. We also identified the likely active compound among its four major phytochemicals in decoction. We found that post-treatment with R. drynariae decreased brain lesion volume, improved neurologic and cognitive function, and reduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. These changes were accompanied by reduced blood levels of IL-6 and increased IL-10. R. drynariae treatment also reversed the TBI-induced decrease in blood monocyte numbers and percentage of blood CD3 and CD4 T lymphocytes while inhibiting microglial/macrophage activation. Furthermore, by using ultra performance liquid chromatography and comparing retention times with authentic standards, we identified eriodictyol as the putative active compound of R. drynariae extract in the blood of rats with TBI. These novel findings indicate that the traditional Chinese herbal medicine R. drynariae protects brain against TBI-induced brain injury, possibly via immune-promoting, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Eriodictyol could be its active compound.

Zhiqiaochuanxiong decoction for major depressive disorder complicated by functional dyspepsia: a case report with fast-acting efficacy

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a clinical case from Professor Huang Xi from Xiangya Hospital in traditional Chinese medical (TCM) treatment for a major depressive disorder (MDD) complicated by functional dyspepsia (FD).

METHODS

A 26-year old unemployed male migrant worker (Han nationality) presented himself at the TCM outpatient department of our hospital on May 13th 2013, with the chief complaint of persistent low mood and negative emotions lasting 2.5 years. He was diagnosed as having MDD complicated by FD. The TCM differentiation made was "Ganqi-Yujie" (Liver-Qi stagnation). Zhiqiaochuanxiong (ZQCX) decoction, composed of Zhiqiao (Fructus Aurantii Submaturus) 40 g and Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) 40 g, was given to be taken twice daily. The patient's condition was evaluated with a 128-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) and high-resolution manometry (HRM). During follow-up the patient was monitored with the Patient Health Questionnaire and Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire.

RESULTS

After treatment, the symptoms of depression and the FD comorbidity disappeared. Furthermore, the main EEG and HRM were significantly improved after 1-7 weeks of ZQCX decoction administration.

CONCLUSION

ZQCX decoction showed rapid prokinetic and anti-depressive effects in a MDD patient complicated by FD. Most commonly used antidepressants target only the brain, whereas ZQCX decoction targets the brain-gut axis according to TCM theory.

Can the behaviour of threespine stickleback parasitized with Schistocephalus solidus be replicated by manipulating host physiology?

Sticklebacks infected by the parasitic flatworm Schistocephalus solidus show dramatic changes in phenotype, including a loss of species-typical behavioural responses to predators. The timing of host behaviour change coincides with the development of infectivity of the parasite to the final host (a piscivorous bird), making it an ideal model for studying the mechanisms of infection-induced behavioural modification. However, whether the loss of host anti-predator behaviour results from direct manipulation by the parasite, or is a by-product (e.g. host immune response) or side-effect of infection (e.g. energetic loss), remains controversial. To understand the physiological mechanisms that generate these behavioural changes, we quantified the behavioural profiles of experimentally infected fish and attempted to replicate these in non-parasitized fish by exposing them to treatments including immunity activation and fasting, or by pharmacologically inhibiting the stress axis. All fish were screened for the following behaviours: activity, water depth preference, sociability, phototaxis, anti-predator response and latency to feed. We were able to change individual behaviours with certain treatments. Our results suggest that the impact of S. solidus on the stickleback might be of a multifactorial nature. The behaviour changes observed in infected fish may be due to the combined effects of modifying the serotonergic axis, the lack of energy, and the activation of the immune system.

Searching the cytochrome p450 enzymes for the metabolism of meranzin hydrate: a prospective antidepressant originating from Chaihu-Shugan-San

Meranzin hydrate (MH), an absorbed bioactive compound from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS), was first isolated in our laboratory and was found to possess anti-depression activity. However, the role of cytochrome P450s (CYPs) in the metabolism of MH was unclear. In this study, we screened the CYPs for the metabolism of MH in vitro by human liver microsomes (HLMs) or human recombinant CYPs. MH inhibited the enzyme activities of CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 in a concentration-dependent manner in the HLMs. The Km and Vmax values of MH were 10.3±1.3 µM and 99.1±3.3 nmol/mg protein/min, respectively, for the HLMs; 8.0±1.6 µM and 112.4±5.7 nmol/nmol P450/min, respectively, for CYP1A2; and 25.9±6.6 µM and 134.3±12.4 nmol/nmol P450/min, respectively, for CYP2C19. Other human CYP isoforms including CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 showed minimal or no effect on MH metabolism. The results suggested that MH was simultaneously a substrate and an inhibitor of CYP1A2 and CYP2C9, and MH had the potential to perpetrate drug-drug interactions with other CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 substrates.