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Xie H, Xie Z, Luan F, Zeng J, Zhang X, Chen L, Zeng N, Liu R. Potential therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicine in postpartum depression: Mechanisms and future directions. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117785. [PMID: 38262525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common psychiatric disorder in women after childbirth. Per data from epidemiologic studies, PPD affects about 5%-26.32% of postpartum mothers worldwide. Biological factors underlying this condition are multiple and complex and have received extensive inquiries for the roles they play in PPD. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), which is widely used as a complementary and alternative therapy for neurological disorders, possesses multi-component, multi-target, multi-access, and low side effect therapeutic characteristics. CHM has already shown efficacy in the treatment of PPD, and a lot more research exploring the mechanisms of its potential therapeutic effects is being conducted. AIM OF THE REVIEW This review provides an in-depth and comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms of PPD, as well as samples the progress made in researching the potential role of CHM in treating the disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature was searched comprehensively in scholarly electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI and WanFang DATA, using the search terms "postpartum depression", "genetic", "hormone", "immune", "neuroinflammation", "inflammation", "neurotransmitter", "neurogenesis", "brain-gut axis", "traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese herbal medicine", "herb", and an assorted combination of these terms. RESULTS PPD is closely associated with genetics, as well as with the hormones, immune inflammatory, and neurotransmitter systems, neurogenesis, and gut microbes, and these biological factors often interact and work together to cause PPD. For example, inflammatory factors could suppress the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin by inducing the regulation of tryptophan-kynurenine in the direction of neurotoxicity. Many CHM constituents improve anxiety- and depression-like behaviors by interfering with the above-mentioned mechanisms and have shown decent efficacy clinically against PPD. For example, Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang invigorates the neuroendocrine system by boosting the hormone levels of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axes, regulating the imbalance of Treg/T-helper cells (Th) 17 and Th1/Th2, and modulating neurotransmitter system to play antidepressant roles. The Shenguiren Mixture interferes with the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway to enhance the number, morphology and apoptosis of neurons in the hippocampus of PPD rats. Other herbal extracts and active ingredients of CHM, such as Paeoniflorin, hypericin, timosaponin B-III and more, also manage depression by remedying the neuroendocrine system and reducing neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS The pathogenesis of PPD is complex and diverse, with the main pathogenesis not clear. Still, CHM constituents, like Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang, the Shenguiren Mixture, Paeoniflorin, hypericin and other Chinese Medicinal Formulae, active monomers and Crude extracts, treats PPD through multifaceted interventions. Therefore, developing more CHM components for the treatment of PPD is an essential step forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
| | - Zhiqiang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
| | - Fei Luan
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of New Drugs and Chinese Medicine Foundation Research, Pharmacy College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, PR China.
| | - Jiuseng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
| | - Xiumeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, PR China.
| | - Nan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
| | - Rong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
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Jeong S, Shim KH, Kim D, Bae H, Jeong DE, Kang MJ, An SSA. Assessment of acetylcholinesterase activity in CD9-positive exosomes from patients with Parkinson's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1332455. [PMID: 38384937 PMCID: PMC10879351 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1332455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic dysfunction and associated with abnormalities in the cholinergic system. However, the relationship between PD and cholinergic dysfunction, particularly in exosomes, is not fully understood. Methods We enrolled 37 patients with PD and 44 healthy controls (HC) to investigate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in CD9-positive and L1CAM-positive exosomes. Exosomes were isolated from plasma using antibody-coupled magnetic beads, and their sizes and concentrations were assessed using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blotting. Subsequently, the AChE activity in these exosomes was analyzed in relation to various clinical parameters. Results A significant decrease in AChE activity was observed in CD9-positive exosomes derived from patients with PD, whereas no significant differences were found in L1CAM-positive exosomes. Further analysis with a larger sample size confirmed a substantial reduction in AChE activity in CD9-positive exosomes from the PD plasma, with moderate diagnostic accuracy. The decrease in AChE activity of CD9-positive exosomes did not show an association with cognitive impairment but displayed a trend toward correlation with PD progression. Discussion The reduction in AChE activity in CD9-positive exosomes suggests potential peripheral cholinergic dysfunction in PD, independent of the central cholinergic system. The observed alterations in AChE activity provide valuable insights into the association between cholinergic dysfunction and the pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumin Jeong
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Veterans Medical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Hwan Shim
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Danyeong Kim
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Veterans Medical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heewon Bae
- Department of Neurology, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Veterans Medical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Eun Jeong
- Department of Neurology, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Veterans Medical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Kang
- Department of Neurology, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Veterans Medical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a nonapeptide mainly produced in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. OT in the brain and blood has extensive functions in both mental and physical activities. These functions are mediated by OT receptors (OTRs) that are distributed in a broad spectrum of tissues with dramatic sexual dimorphism. In both sexes, OT generally facilitates social cognition and behaviors, facilitates parental behavior and sexual activity and inhibits feeding and pain perception. However, there are significant differences in OT levels and distribution of OTRs in men from women. Thus, many OT functions in men are different from women, particularly in the reproduction. In men, the reproductive functions are relatively simple. In women, the reproductive functions involve menstrual cycle, pregnancy, parturition, lactation, and menopause. These functions make OT regulation of women's health and disease a unique topic of physiological and pathological studies. In menstruation, pre-ovulatory increase in OT secretion in the hypothalamus and the ovary can promote the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and facilitate ovulation. During pregnancy, increased OT synthesis and preterm release endow OT system the ability to promote maternal behavior and lactation. In parturition, cervix expansion-elicited pulse OT secretion and uterine OT release accelerate the expelling of fetus and reduce postpartum hemorrhage. During lactation, intermittent pulsatile OT secretion is necessary for the milk-ejection reflex and maternal behavior. Disorders in OT secretion can account for maternal depression and hypogalactia. In menopause, the reduction of OT secretion accounts for many menopausal symptoms and diseases. These issues are reviewed in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haipeng Yang
- Neonatal Division of the Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Liqun Han
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingxing Ma
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Mingxing Ma,
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Wang P, Wang SC, Liu X, Jia S, Wang X, Li T, Yu J, Parpura V, Wang YF. Neural Functions of Hypothalamic Oxytocin and its Regulation. ASN Neuro 2022; 14:17590914221100706. [PMID: 35593066 PMCID: PMC9125079 DOI: 10.1177/17590914221100706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a nonapeptide, has a variety of functions. Despite extensive studies on OT over past decades, our understanding of its neural functions and their regulation remains incomplete. OT is mainly produced in OT neurons in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and accessory nuclei between the SON and PVN. OT exerts neuromodulatory effects in the brain and spinal cord. While magnocellular OT neurons in the SON and PVN mainly innervate the pituitary and forebrain regions, and parvocellular OT neurons in the PVN innervate brainstem and spinal cord, the two sets of OT neurons have close interactions histologically and functionally. OT expression occurs at early life to promote mental and physical development, while its subsequent decrease in expression in later life stage accompanies aging and diseases. Adaptive changes in this OT system, however, take place under different conditions and upon the maturation of OT release machinery. OT can modulate social recognition and behaviors, learning and memory, emotion, reward, and other higher brain functions. OT also regulates eating and drinking, sleep and wakefulness, nociception and analgesia, sexual behavior, parturition, lactation and other instinctive behaviors. OT regulates the autonomic nervous system, and somatic and specialized senses. Notably, OT can have different modulatory effects on the same function under different conditions. Such divergence may derive from different neural connections, OT receptor gene dimorphism and methylation, and complex interactions with other hormones. In this review, brain functions of OT and their underlying neural mechanisms as well as the perspectives of their clinical usage are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Stephani C. Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuwei Jia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Neuroscience Laboratory for Translational Medicine, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Jiawei Yu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Kerqin District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Li D, Liu H, Wang H, Jia S, Wang X, Ling S, Chen G, Liu X, Wang YF. Astrocytic Hydrogen Sulfide Regulates Supraoptic Cellular Activity in the Adaptive Response of Lactating Rats to Chronic Social Stress. ASN Neuro 2021; 13:17590914211043087. [PMID: 34579557 PMCID: PMC8642056 DOI: 10.1177/17590914211043087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal social stress among breastfeeding women can be adapted in chronic process.
However, neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying such adaptation remain to be identified.
Here, we report the effects of 2 hr/day unfamiliar male rat invasion (UMI) stress on
maternal behaviors in lactating rats during postpartum day 8 (UMI8) to postpartum day 12
(UMI12). Rat dams at UMI8 presented signs of maternal anxiety, depression, and attacks
toward male intruder. These changes partially reversed at UMI12 except the sign of
anxiety. In the supraoptic nucleus (SON), UMI12 but not UMI8 significantly increased the
expression of c-Fos and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2.
At UMI8 but not UMI12, length of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocytic
cytoskeletal element) filaments around oxytocin (OT) neurons was significantly longer than
that of their controls; the amount of GFAP fragments at UMI12 was significantly less than
that at UMI8. Expression of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS, enzyme for H2S
synthesis) at UMI12 was significantly higher than that at UMI8. CBS expression did not
change significantly in the somatic zone of the SON but decreased significantly at the
ventral glia lamina at UMI8. In brain slices of the SON, aminooxyacetate (a CBS blocker)
significantly increased the expression of GFAP proteins that were molecularly associated
with CBS. Aminooxyacetate also reduced the firing rate of OT neurons whereas
Na2S, a donor of H2S, increased it. The adaptation during chronic
social stress is possibly attributable to the increased production of H2S by
astrocytes and the subsequent retraction of astrocytic processes around OT neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyang Li
- Department of Physiology, 12455Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 34707Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 34707Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 34707Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuwei Jia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 34707Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 34707Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuo Ling
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 34707Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Guichuan Chen
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 34707Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 34707Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 34707Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Li T, Jia SW, Hou D, Wang X, Li D, Liu Y, Cui D, Liu X, Hou CM, Wang P, Brown CH, Wang YF. Oxytocin Modulation of Maternal Behavior and Its Association With Immunological Activity in Rats With Cesarean Delivery. ASN Neuro 2021; 13:17590914211014731. [PMID: 34210188 PMCID: PMC8255569 DOI: 10.1177/17590914211014731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide produced in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei, is not only essential for lactation and maternal behavior but also for normal immunological activity. However, mechanisms underlying OT regulation of maternal behavior and its association with immunity around parturition, particularly under mental and physical stress, remain unclear. Here, we observed effects of OT on maternal behavior in association with immunological activity in rats after cesarean delivery (CD), a model of reproductive stress. CD significantly reduced maternal interests to the pups throughout postpartum day 1-8. On postpartum day 5, CD decreased plasma OT levels and thymic index but increased vasopressin, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 levels. CD had no significant effect on plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone levels. In the hypothalamus, CD decreased corticotropin-releasing hormone contents in the PVN but increased OT contents in the PVN and SON and OT release from hypothalamic implants. CD also increased c-Fos expression, particularly in the cytoplasm of OT neurons. Lastly, CD depolarized resting membrane potential and increased spike width while increasing the variability of the firing rate of OT neurons in brain slices. Thus, CD can increase hypothalamic OT contents and release but reduce pituitary release of OT into the blood, which is associated with depressive-like maternal behavior, increased inflammatory cytokine release and decreased relative weight of the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shu-Wei Jia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dan Hou
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dan Cui
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chun-Mei Hou
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Colin H Brown
- Department of Physiology and Center for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otego, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Li T, Jia SW, Hou D, Liu X, Li D, Liu Y, Cui D, Wang X, Hou C, Brown CH, Wang YF. Intranasal Oxytocin Restores Maternal Behavior and Oxytocin Neuronal Activity in the Supraoptic Nucleus in Rat Dams with Cesarean Delivery. Neuroscience 2021; 468:235-246. [PMID: 34166764 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a key factor for maternal behavior. However, neurochemical regulation of OT neurons, the major source of OT, remains incompletely understood. Here we report the effect of intranasally-applied OT (IAO) on OT neuronal activity in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and on maternal behavior in a rat model of cesarean delivery (CD) at day 4-5 (stage I) and day 8-9 (stage II) following delivery. We found that at stage I, CD dams exhibited significantly longer latency of pup retrieval, lower number of anogenital licks and smaller acinar area of the mammary glands. In the SON, the number of OT neurons expressing phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (pERK 1/2) decreased significantly. IAO reversed the depressive-like maternal behavior and involution-like change in the mammary glands, and restored the number of pERK1/2-positive OT neurons in CD dams. At stage II, CD did not significantly influence the latency of retrieval and pERK1/2 expression in the SON. However, CD still reduced the number of anogenital licks during suckling, which was reversed by IAO. Notably, IAO but not hypodermic OT application in CD dams significantly increased litter's body weight gains. In brain slices, CD but not CD plus IAO significantly depolarized membrane potential and increased spike duration in OT neurons. In vasopressin neurons, CD, but not CD plus IAO, significantly depolarized membrane potential and increased the firing rate. Thus, decreased OT neuronal activity and increased vasopressin neuronal activity impair maternal behavior in CD dams, which can be prevented by IAO .
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shu-Wei Jia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dan Hou
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dan Cui
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chunmei Hou
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Colin H Brown
- Department of Physiology and Center for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Li D, Liu X, Li T, Wang X, Jia S, Wang P, Wang YF. Involvement of Protein Kinase A in Oxytocin Neuronal Activity in Rat Dams with Pup Deprivation. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:980-991. [PMID: 33611682 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03218-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) neuronal activity is the key factor for breastfeeding and it can be disrupted by mother-baby separation. To explore cellular mechanisms underlying OT neuronal activity, we studied the role of protein kinase A (PKA) in OT neuronal activity in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) using a rodent model of pup deprivation (PD) Intermittent (IPD) or continuous (CPD) PD significantly reduced suckling duration and number of milk ejections in lactating rats, particularly those with CPD. In Western blots of the SON, PD increased expressions of OT receptor (OTR) and its immediate downstream effectors, Gαq and Gβ subunits, particularly IPD, but reduced the expression of catalytic subunit of PKA (cPKA). In brain slices, inhibition of PKA blocked prostaglandin E2-evoked increase in firing activity including burst firing in OT neurons. In IPD dams, filamentous actin formed ring-like structures in the cytoplasmic region of OT neurons, which was reduced in CPD. Moreover, molecular association between actin and cPKA also reduced in PD dams. Incubation of brain slices with OT reduced the expression of cPKA, which was blocked by pretreatment with atosiban, an antagonist of OTR. These results indicate that PD disrupts OT neuronal activity through dissociating the Gq proteins and PKA in OTR-associated signaling cascade, which couples with reduced interactions between filamentous actin and PKA in OT neurons in the SON. This study highlights that PKA can be a novel target treating abnormal OT neuronal activity and its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyang Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Department of Physiology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shuwei Jia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
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Wang SC, Wang YF. Cardiovascular protective properties of oxytocin against COVID-19. Life Sci 2021; 270:119130. [PMID: 33513400 PMCID: PMC7837104 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 has become a worldwide pandemic; however, effective treatment for COVID-19 remains to be established. Along with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), new and old cardiovascular injuries are important causes of significant morbidity and mortality in COVID-19. Exploring new approaches managing cardiovascular complications is essential in controlling the disease progression and preventing long-term complications. Oxytocin (OXT), an immune-regulating neuropeptide, has recently emerged as a strong candidate for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 pandemic. OXT carries special functions in immunologic defense, homeostasis and surveillance. It suppresses neutrophil infiltration and inflammatory cytokine release, activates T-lymphocytes, and antagonizes negative effects of angiotensin II and other key pathological events of COVID-19. Additionally, OXT can promote γ-interferon expression to inhibit cathepsin L and increases superoxide dismutase expression to reduce heparin and heparan sulphate fragmentation. Through these mechanisms, OXT can block viral invasion, suppress cytokine storm, reverse lymphocytopenia, and prevent progression to ARDS and multiple organ failures. Importantly, besides prevention of metabolic disorders associated with atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus, OXT can protect the heart and vasculature through suppressing hypertension and brain-heart syndrome, and promoting regeneration of injured cardiomyocytes. Unlike other therapeutic agents, exogenous OXT can be used safely without the side-effects seen in remdesivir and corticosteroid. Importantly, OXT can be mobilized endogenously to prevent pathogenesis of COVID-19. This article summarizes our current understandings of cardiovascular pathogenesis caused by COVID-19, explores the protective potentials of OXT against COVID-19-associated cardiovascular diseases, and discusses challenges in applying OXT in treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Chemical compounds Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2); atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP); cathepsin L; heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs); interferon; interleukin; oxytocin; superoxide dismutase; transmembrane serine protease isoform 2 (TMPRSS2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani C Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Wang SC, Parpura V, Wang YF. Astroglial Regulation of Magnocellular Neuroendocrine Cell Activities in the Supraoptic Nucleus. Neurochem Res 2020; 46:2586-2600. [PMID: 33216313 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Studies on the interactions between astrocytes and neurons in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system have significantly facilitated our understanding of the regulation of neural activities. This has been exemplified in the interactions between astrocytes and magnocellular neuroendocrine cells (MNCs) in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), specifically during osmotic stimulation and lactation. In response to changes in neurochemical environment in the SON, astrocytic morphology and functions change significantly, which further modulates MNC activity and the secretion of vasopressin and oxytocin. In osmotic regulation, short-term dehydration or water overload causes transient retraction or expansion of astrocytic processes, which increases or decreases the activity of SON neurons, respectively. Prolonged osmotic stimulation causes adaptive change in astrocytic plasticity in the SON, which allows osmosensory neurons to reserve osmosensitivity at new levels. During lactation, changes in neurochemical environment cause retraction of astrocytic processes around oxytocin neurons, which increases MNC's ability to secrete oxytocin. During suckling by a baby/pup, astrocytic processes in the mother/dams exhibit alternative retraction and expansion around oxytocin neurons, which mirrors intermittently synchronized activation of oxytocin neurons and the post-excitation inhibition, respectively. The morphological and functional plasticities of astrocytes depend on a series of cellular events involving glial fibrillary acidic protein, aquaporin 4, volume regulated anion channels, transporters and other astrocytic functional molecules. This review further explores mechanisms underlying astroglial regulation of the neuroendocrine neuronal activities in acute processes based on the knowledge from studies on the SON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani C Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35242, USA.
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang, Harbin, 150086, China.
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