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Xie G, Qin Y, Wu N, Han X, Li J. Single-Nucleus Transcriptome Profiling from the Hippocampus of a PTSD Mouse Model and CBD-Treated Cohorts. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:519. [PMID: 38674453 PMCID: PMC11050643 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common psychiatric disorder after a catastrophic event; however, the efficacious treatment options remain insufficient. Increasing evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) exhibits optimal therapeutic effects for treating PTSD. To elucidate the cell-type-specific transcriptomic pathology of PTSD and the mechanisms of CBD against this disease, we conducted single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) in the hippocampus of PTSD-modeled mice and CBD-treated cohorts. We constructed a mouse model by adding electric foot shocks following exposure to single prolonged stress (SPS+S) and tested the freezing time, anxiety-like behavior, and cognitive behavior. CBD was administrated before every behavioral test. The PTSD-modeled mice displayed behaviors resembling those of PTSD in all behavioral tests, and CBD treatment alleviated all of these PTSD-like behaviors (n = 8/group). Three mice with representative behavioral phenotypes were selected from each group for snRNA-seq 15 days after the SPS+S. We primarily focused on the excitatory neurons (ExNs) and inhibitory neurons (InNs), which accounted for 68.4% of the total cell annotations. A total of 88 differentially upregulated genes and 305 differentially downregulated genes were found in the PTSD mice, which were found to exhibit significant alterations in pathways and biological processes associated with fear response, synaptic communication, protein synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and oxidative stress response. A total of 63 overlapping genes in InNs were identified as key genes for CBD in the treatment of PTSD. Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that the anti-PTSD effect of CBD was related to the regulation of protein synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, oxidative stress response, and fear response. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that CBD also enhanced retrograde endocannabinoid signaling in ExNs, which was found to be suppressed in the PTSD group. Our research may provide a potential explanation for the pathogenesis of PTSD and facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for drug development. Moreover, it may shed light on the therapeutic mechanisms of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China; (G.X.); (Y.Q.); (N.W.); (J.L.)
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Lv T, Wang M, Zheng HS, Mao JD, Yang F, Yang L, Zhao MG, Liu SB, Zhang K, Liu R, Wu YM. Electroacupuncture alleviates PTSD-like behaviors by modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Brain Res Bull 2023; 202:110734. [PMID: 37586426 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Abnormalities in hippocampal synaptic plasticity contribute to the pathogenesis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is critical for the regulation of synaptic plasticity. PTSD symptoms can be alleviated by correcting impaired neural plasticity in the hippocampus (Hipp). Electroacupuncture (EA) has a therapeutic effect by relieving PTSD-like behaviors. However, little is known about whether the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in EA-mediated improvements of PTSD symptoms. In this study, we found that enhanced single prolonged stress (ESPS)-induced PTSD led to abnormal neural plasticity, characterized by the decline of dendritic spines, the expression of postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), and synaptophysin (Syn) in the stressed Hipp along with the reduction of Wnt3a and β-catenin, and increased GSK-3β. EA significantly alleviated PTSD-like behaviors, as assessed by the open field test, elevated platform maze test and conditioning fear test. This was paralleled by correcting abnormal neural plasticity by promoting the expression of PSD95 and Syn, as well as the number of dendritic spines in the Hipp. Importantly, EA exerted anti-PTSD effects by augmenting the expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin, and decreasing that of GSK-3β. The effects mediated by EA were abolished by XAV939, an inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This suggests that EA relieved ESPS-induced PTSD-like behaviors, which can largely be ascribed to impaired neural plasticity in the Hipp. These findings provide new insights into possible mechanisms linking neural plasticity in the Hipp as potential novel targets for PTSD treatment in EA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lv
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China; Department of Acupuncture-moxibustion-massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 712000, PR China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China
| | - He-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China; Department of Acupuncture-moxibustion-massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 712000, PR China
| | - Jin-Dong Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, PR China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, PR China
| | - Ming-Gao Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, PR China
| | - Shui-Bing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, PR China.
| | - Yu-Mei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, PR China; Department of Acupuncture-moxibustion-massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 712000, PR China.
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Lu J, Qin C, Wang C, Sun J, Mao H, Wei J, Shen X, Chen Y, Liu S, Qu X. Lateral hypothalamic orexin neurons mediate electroacupuncture-induced anxiolytic effects in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Brain Res Bull 2023; 201:110712. [PMID: 37481143 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The lateral hypothalamus' orexinergic system has been associated with anxiety-related behaviors, and electroacupuncture (EA) modifies orexin neurons to control the anti-anxiety process. However, in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the important role of LH orexin neurons (OXNs) in the anxiolytic effects induced by EA has not been explored. In this study, rats underwent modified single prolonged stress (MSPS) for seven days before developing EA. The rats were then subjected to elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OFT) tests, and western blot and c-Fos/orexin double labeling investigations were carried out to determine the functional activation of LH orexinergic neurons. Compared to MSPS model rats, it has been demonstrated that EA stimulation enhanced the amount of time spent in the central zone (TSCZ) in OFT and the amount of time spent in the open arm (TSOA) in EPM in MSPS model rats (P < 0.01). After behavioral testing, MSPS model rats had decreased activated c-Fos positive OXNs. Still, EA in SPS rats increased that number and elevated orexin type 1 receptors (OXR1) protein expression in the LH. Furthermore, after administering SB334867 (an OXR1 antagonist) to MSPS model rats, the effects of EA therapy on anxiety-like behaviors (ALBs) were significantly diminished. Additionally, when low-dose orexin-A (LORXA) was administered intracerebroventricularly together with EA stimulation in MSPS rats, the anxiolytic effects of the stimulation were substantially enhanced (P < 0.05). The results of this study reveal the mechanisms by which acupuncture may reduce PTSD and advance our understanding of the function of LH orexin signaling in EA's anxiolytic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Lu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan Qin
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Can Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Sun
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Mao
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianzi Wei
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyong Shen
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.
| | - Sheng Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoyi Qu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Hu G, Zhou C, Wang J, Ma X, Ma H, Yu H, Peng Z, Huang J, Cai M. Electroacupuncture treatment ameliorates depressive-like behavior and cognitive dysfunction via CB1R dependent mitochondria biogenesis after experimental global cerebral ischemic stroke. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1135227. [PMID: 37091920 PMCID: PMC10113634 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1135227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThis study aimed to identify the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on post-stroke depression (PSD) and explore whether cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R)-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis accounts for the treatment effect of EA.MethodsThe PSD mouse model was induced by a consecutive 14-day chronic unpredictable stress operation after 7 days of recovery from the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion surgery. Either EA treatment or sham stimulation was performed for 14 consecutive days from Day 7 after the BCCAO operation. Subjects’ PSD-like behaviors were tested via open field test, sucrose preference test, novelty suppressed feeding test, tail suspension test, and forced swim test, and subjects’ cognitive function was examined using Y-maze and novelty object recognition test. In addition, the levels of CB1R, mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins (nuclear transcription factor 1, NRF1; mitochondrial transcription factor A, TFAM), proteins related to mitochondrial function (Cytochrome C, Cyto C; AIF, COX IV), and mitochondrial DNA were measured. To elucidate the role of CB1R in EA treatment, CB1R antagonists AM251 and CB1R-shRNA were given to mice before EA treatment. Likewise, subjects’ depressive-like behaviors, cognitive function, mitochondrial function, and mitochondrial biogenesis were examined after the PSD procedure.ResultsIt has been showed that EA successfully ameliorated depressive-like behaviors, improved cognitive dysfunctions, and upregulated CB1R, NRF1 and TFAM expressions. However, the supplementation of AM251 and CB1R-shRNA blocked the antidepressant-like effects generated by EA, and EA failed to improve cognitive dysfunction, upregulate CB1R protein expression, and increase mitochondrial function and biogenesis.ConclusionAltogether, these results indicated that EA ameliorated PSD-like behaviors in mice, improved cognitive dysfunctions after PSD, and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis by activating CB1R, a novel mechanism underlying EA’s antidepressant-like effects in treating PSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangtao Hu
- Department of Psychological Medicine, 958th Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Cuihong Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinxu Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongzhe Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhengwu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Health Management, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Jing Huang,
| | - Min Cai
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- *Correspondence: Min Cai,
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Chen C. Inhibiting degradation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108394. [PMID: 36966972 PMCID: PMC10123871 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are endogenous lipid signaling mediators that participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endocannabinoid and is a full agonist of G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), which are targets of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. While 2-AG has been well recognized as a retrograde messenger modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity at both inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic synapses in the brain, growing evidence suggests that 2-AG also functions as an endogenous terminator of neuroinflammation in response to harmful insults, thus maintaining brain homeostasis. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the key enzyme that degrades 2-AG in the brain. The immediate metabolite of 2-AG is arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor of prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotrienes. Several lines of evidence indicate that pharmacological or genetic inactivation of MAGL, which boosts 2-AG levels and reduces its hydrolytic metabolites, resolves neuroinflammation, mitigates neuropathology, and improves synaptic and cognitive functions in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced neurodegenerative disease. Thus, it has been proposed that MAGL is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. As the main enzyme hydrolyzing 2-AG, several MAGL inhibitors have been identified and developed. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which inactivation of MAGL produces neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases remains limited. A recent finding that inhibition of 2-AG metabolism in astrocytes, but not in neurons, protects the brain from TBI-induced neuropathology might shed some light on this unsolved issue. This review provides an overview of MAGL as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and discusses possible mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of restraining degradation of 2-AG in the brain.
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Tang X, Lin S, Fang D, Lin B, Yao L, Wang L, Xu Q, Lu L, Xu N. Efficacy and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for PTSD: evidence from animal and clinical studies. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1163718. [PMID: 37200784 PMCID: PMC10187757 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1163718] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
As a major public health problem, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a substantial impact on individuals and society. The total excess economic burden of PTSD in the US is estimated to be more than $232.2 billion a year. Acupuncture is widely used in patients with PTSD, and an increasing number of studies have been undertaken to assess the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture for the treatment of individuals with PTSD. However, there has not yet been a review that simultaneously elucidates the therapeutic efficacy and biological mechanisms of acupuncture. We wished to examine the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture for the treatment of individuals with PTSD. We conducted this review in three sections as follows: a meta-analysis, an acupoint analysis, and mechanism research. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), WanFang Database, China Biology Medicine Database (CBM), Chinese Science and Technology Journals Database (VIP), and other databases were searched from 1 January 2012 to 27 November 2022. Based on the included studies, we first determined whether acupuncture is more effective than psychological treatment or pharmacological treatment for treating and improving the quality of life of individuals with PTSD by meta-analysis. Second, the most commonly used acupoints and parameters of acupuncture were summarized based on animal and clinical studies. Third, we attempt to summarize the current mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of PTSD. Finally, 56 acupoint analyses, eight meta-analyses, and 33 mechanistic studies were included. Acupuncture outperformed pharmacotherapy treatment in improving symptom scores by CAPS, HAMA, HAMD, PCL-C, and SCL-90 somatization for PTSD and outperformed psychotherapy treatment in improving symptom scores by CAPS PCL-C and HAMD, according to the meta-analysis. GV20 was the most frequently used acupuncture point in clinical studies and animal studies, with a 78.6% application rate. Acupuncture may be effective in treating PTSD by regulating the structure and components of several brain areas, regulating the neuroendocrine system, and involving signaling pathways. In conclusion, this finding indicates that acupuncture has promising potential for treating PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Tang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shumin Lin
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danwei Fang
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binjing Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lulu Yao
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Wang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liming Lu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Liming Lu
| | - Nenggui Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nenggui Xu
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SONG K, WANG YT, XIONG FJ, HUANG AL, ZHANG H. Effects of electroacupuncture on behaviors and expressions of SYN and PSD95 in hippocampus of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder. WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wjam.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Yang S, Qu Y, Wang J, Gao F, Ji M, Xie P, Zhu A, Tan B, Wang X, Zhu G. Anshen Dingzhi prescription in the treatment of PTSD in mice: Investigation of the underlying mechanism from the perspective of hippocampal synaptic function. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 101:154139. [PMID: 35523115 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anshen Dingzhi prescription (ADP) is an important prescription for the treatment of mental diseases in traditional Chinese medicine and is widely used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. PURPOSE To explore the ameliorative effect of ADP on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like behaviors in mice and determine the underlying mechanism. METHODS The constituents of ADP were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The PTSD-like behaviors of mice subjected to single prolonged stress (SPS) were evaluated using behavioral tests. Potential pathological changes in the hippocampus were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to detect the expression of proteins involved in relevant signaling pathways. RESULTS Five quality control markers (ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, tenuifolin, poricoic acid B, and α-asarone) were detected in the ADP solution. The ginsenoside Rg1 content in ADP was found to be 0.114 mg/g. Mice subjected to SPS showed obvious fear generalization and anxiety-like behaviors. ADP treatment prevented the behavioral changes caused by exposure to SPS. Compared with control animals, the number of normal pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region of mice exposed to SPS was decreased and the number of degenerating pyramidal cells was increased; however, ADP administration could counteract these effects. Furthermore, the protein expression of BDNF, p-TrkB, μ-calpain, PSD95, GluN2A, GluA1, p-AKT, p-mTOR, and ARC was decreased, while that of PTEN and GluN2B was increased in the hippocampus of mice subjected to SPS compared with that in control animals; however, these changes in protein expression were reversed following ADP treatment. Importantly, the ameliorative effect of ADP on PTSD-like behaviors and synaptic protein expression were inhibited by rapamycin administration. CONCLUSIONS ADP administration improves PTSD-like behaviors in mice and this effect may be mediated through an mTOR-dependent improvement in synaptic function in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China
| | - Yan Qu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China
| | - Manman Ji
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China
| | - Pan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China
| | - Aisong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Bei Tan
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Xuncui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China.
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230038, China.
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Zhou CH, Xue F, Shi QQ, Xue SS, Zhang T, Ma XX, Yu LS, Liu C, Wang HN, Peng ZW. The Impact of Electroacupuncture Early Intervention on the Brain Lipidome in a Mouse Model of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:812479. [PMID: 35221914 PMCID: PMC8866946 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.812479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuroprotective effect of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been well studied; growing evidence suggests that changes in lipid composition may be involved in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may be a target for treatment. However, the influence of early EA intervention on brain lipid composition in patients with PTSD has never been investigated. Using a modified single prolonged stress (mSPS) model in mice, we assessed the anti-PTSD-like effects of early intervention using EA and evaluated changes in lipid composition in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) using a mass spectrometry-based lipidomic approach. mSPS induced changes in lipid composition in the hippocampus, notably in the content of sphingolipids, glycerolipids, and fatty acyls. These lipid changes were more robust than those observed in the PFC. Early intervention with EA after mSPS ameliorated PTSD-like behaviors and partly normalized mSPS-induced lipid changes, notably in the hippocampus. Cumulatively, our data suggest that EA may reverse mSPS-induced PTSD-like behaviors due to region-specific regulation of the brain lipidome, providing new insights into the therapeutic mechanism of EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Hong Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Toxicology, Shaanxi Key Lab of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, The Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fen Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Toxicology, Shaanxi Key Lab of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, The Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qing-Qing Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shan-Shan Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xin-Xu Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Li-Sheng Yu
- Department of General Medicine, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Chuang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hua-Ning Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Toxicology, Shaanxi Key Lab of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, The Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hua-Ning Wang,
| | - Zheng-Wu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Zheng-Wu Peng,
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Chen YH, Xie SY, Chen CW, Lu DY. Electroacupuncture improves repeated social defeat stress-elicited social avoidance and anxiety-like behaviors by reducing Lipocalin-2 in the hippocampus. Mol Brain 2021; 14:150. [PMID: 34565419 PMCID: PMC8474847 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00860-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma-related disorder that is associated with pro-inflammatory activation and neurobiological impairments in the brain and leads to a series of affective-like behaviors. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been proposed as a clinically useful therapy for several brain diseases. However, the potential role of EA treatment in PTSD and its molecular and cellular mechanisms has rarely been investigated. Methods We used an established preclinical social defeat stress mouse model to study whether EA treatment modulates PTSD-like symptoms and understand its underlying mechanisms. To this end, male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) for 6 consecutive days to induce symptoms of PTSD and treated with EA at Baihui (GV 20) and Dazhui (GV 14) acupoints. Results The stimulation of EA, but not needle insertion at Baihui (GV 20) and Dazhui (GV 14) acupoints effectively improved PTSD-like behaviors such as, social avoidance and anxiety-like behaviors. However, EA stimulation at the bilateral Tianzong (SI11) acupoints did not affect the PTSD-like behaviors obtained by RSDS. EA stimulation also markedly inhibited astrocyte activation in both the dorsal and ventral hippocampi of RSDS-treated mice. Using next-generation sequencing analysis, our results showed that EA stimulation attenuated RSDS-enhanced lipocalin 2 expression in the hippocampus. Importantly, using double-staining immunofluorescence, we observed that the increased lipocalin 2 expression in astrocytes by RSDS was also reduced by EA stimulation. In addition, intracerebroventricular injection of mouse recombinant lipocalin 2 protein in the lateral ventricles provoked social avoidance, anxiety-like behaviors, and the activation of astrocytes in the hippocampus. Interestingly, the overexpression of lipocalin 2 in the brain also altered the expression of stress-related genes, including monoamine oxidase A, monoamine oxidase B, mineralocorticoid receptor, and glucocorticoid receptor in the hippocampus. Conclusions This study suggests that the treatment of EA at Baihui (GV 20) and Dazhui (GV 14) acupoints improves RSDS-induced social avoidance, anxiety-like behaviors, astrocyte activation, and lipocalin 2 expression. Furthermore, our findings also indicate that lipocalin 2 expression in the brain may be an important biomarker for the development of PTSD-related symptoms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13041-021-00860-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yun Xie
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Wei Chen
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Dah-Yuu Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Department of Photonics and Communication Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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11
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Metoprolol decreases retention of fear memory and facilitates long-term depression in lateral amygdala. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 31:535-543. [PMID: 31860562 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder with a known cause, yet effective behavioral and pharmacotherapies remain elusive for many afflicted patients. Propranolol is suggested to be effective as a fear-reducing agent when paired with behavioral therapy soon after trauma when psychological stress is high, possibly dampening or preventing the later development of posttraumatic stress disorder. In our previous study, we found propranolol efficaciously reduced fear retention induced by reactivation via β-adrenergic receptors in lateral amygdala. However, it is unclear which subtypes of β-adrenergic receptors dominate the function of adrenergic activation in lateral amygdala. In this study, we investigated the action of β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist-metoprolol and β2-adrenergic receptor antagonist-butoxamine on the retention of conditioned fear memory and synaptic adaptation in the lateral amygdala of rats. We found metoprolol not butoxamine attenuated the reactivation-induced strengthening of fear retention and restored the impaired long-term depression in lateral amygdala. Intra-amygdala infusion of metoprolol not butoxamine attenuated reactivation-induced enhancement of fear retention. Our results suggest that β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist-metoprolol may be more suitable for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder.
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Hou Y, Chen M, Wang C, Liu L, Mao H, Qu X, Shen X, Yu B, Liu S. Electroacupuncture Attenuates Anxiety-Like Behaviors in a Rat Model of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: The Role of the Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:690159. [PMID: 34248490 PMCID: PMC8264195 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.690159] [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] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is a promising clinical approach to treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet the mechanisms whereby EA can alleviate anxiety and other PTSD symptoms have yet to be clarified. In the present report, rats underwent EA for 14 consecutive days following modified single prolonged stress (MSPS) exposure. These animals were then evaluated in open field and elevated plus maze tests (OFT and EPM), while Fos immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) functional activation. In addition, an extracellular recording and stimulation system was used to analyze vmPFC inputs into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in these rats. Temporary vmPFC inactivation was further performed to assess whether this was sufficient to reverse the anxiolytic effects of EA. Overall, rats that underwent EA treatment spent more time in the central region (OFT) and the open arm (EPM) relative to MSPS model animals (P < 0.05). These MSPS model animals also exhibited significantly fewer activated Fos-positive nuclei in the vmPFC following behavioral testing, while EA was associated with a significant relative increase in c-Fos expression in this region. The transient inactivation of the vmPFC was sufficient to reverse the effects of EA treatment on anxiety-like behaviors in MSPS model rats. MSPS and SEA rats exhibiting no differences in bursting activity between baseline and vmPFC stimulation, whereas bursting activity rose relative to baseline upon ventral mPFC stimulation in EA treated and control rats. Together, these findings indicate that the vmPFC and its inputs into the VTA are functionally linked to the anxiolytic activity of EA, implicating this pathway in the EA-mediated treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Hou
- Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiyu Chen
- Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Can Wang
- Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lumin Liu
- Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Mao
- Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyi Qu
- Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyong Shen
- Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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13
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Kwon CY, Lee B, Kim SH. Efficacy and Underlying Mechanism of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1575. [PMID: 33917977 PMCID: PMC8068330 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is a nonpharmacological intervention that can be useful in the clinical management of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially in situations with a lack of medical resources, including large-scale PTSD events such as disasters. Some clinical studies have reported the clinical effect of acupuncture in improving PTSD symptoms, but the underlying therapeutic mechanism has yet to be explored. Therefore, this review summarized the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture in animal PTSD models. A comprehensive search was conducted in 14 electronic databases, and two independent researchers performed study selection, data extraction, and the methodological quality assessment. Twenty-four relevant studies were included in this review and summarized according to the proposed main mechanisms. In behavioral evaluation, acupuncture, including manual acupuncture and electro-acupuncture, reduced anxiety and fear responses and weakened fear conditioning, improved sleep architecture, reduced depressive symptoms, and alleviated disturbance of spatial learning and memory of PTSD animal models. The therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture proposed in the included studies could be classified into two categories: (1) regulation of stress responses in the neuroendocrine system and (2) promotion of neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity in several brain areas. However, the methodological quality of the included animal studies was not high enough to produce robust evidence. In addition, mechanistic studies on specific aspects of acupuncture that may affect PTSD, including expectancy effects, in human PTSD subjects are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Korea;
| | - Boram Lee
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseongdae-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Korea;
| | - Sang-Ho Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry of Korean Medicine, Pohang Korean Medicine Hospital, Daegu Haany University, 411 Saecheonnyeon-daero, Nam-gu, Pohang-si 790-826, Korea
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14
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Jansen van Vuren E, Steyn SF, Brink CB, Möller M, Viljoen FP, Harvey BH. The neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19: Interactions with psychiatric illness and pharmacological treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 135:111200. [PMID: 33421734 PMCID: PMC7834135 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent outbreak of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) has had major global impact. The relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection and psychiatric diseases is of great concern, with an evident link between corona virus infections and various central and peripheral nervous system manifestations. Unmitigated neuro-inflammation has been noted to underlie not only the severe respiratory complications of the disease but is also present in a range of neuro-psychiatric illnesses. Several neurological and psychiatric disorders are characterized by immune-inflammatory states, while treatments for these disorders have distinct anti-inflammatory properties and effects. With inflammation being a common contributing factor in SARS-CoV-2, as well as psychiatric disorders, treatment of either condition may affect disease progression of the other or alter response to pharmacological treatment. In this review, we elucidate how viral infections could affect pre-existing psychiatric conditions and how pharmacological treatments of these conditions may affect overall progress and outcome in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. We address whether any treatment-induced benefits and potential adverse effects may ultimately affect the overall treatment approach, considering the underlying dysregulated neuro-inflammatory processes and potential drug interactions. Finally, we suggest adjunctive treatment options for SARS-CoV-2-associated neuro-psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmé Jansen van Vuren
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Stephan F Steyn
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Christiaan B Brink
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Marisa Möller
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Francois P Viljoen
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; South African MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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15
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Nie PY, Ji LL, Fu CH, Peng JB, Wang ZY, Tong L. miR-132 Regulates PTSD-like Behaviors in Rats Following Single-Prolonged Stress Through Fragile X-Related Protein 1. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:327-340. [PMID: 32333305 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00854-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X-related protein 1 (FXR1) is a member of the fragile X family of RNA-binding proteins, which regulates a number of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders such as fragile X syndrome, and is expected as a novel therapeutic target for some psychiatric diseases. However, it is unknown how FXR1 changes and functions in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a common mental disorder related to trauma and stressor. In this study, we characterized the expression pattern of FXR1 in the pathophysiological process of PTSD and further investigated the possible mechanism underlying these changes by finding an upstream regulator, namely miRNA-132 (miR-132). Furthermore, we verified whether miR-132 silence had an effect on the PTSD-like behaviors of single prolonged stress (SPS) rats through open field test, forced swimming test, and water maze test. At last, we examined the expression levels of PSD95 and synapsin I in the hippocampus, which was one of the key brain regions associated with PTSD. We showed that the levels of FXR1 and fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an autosomal homolog of FXR1, were decreased in the hippocampus of PTSD rats, but the levels of PSD95 and synapsin I were increased, which could be reversed by downregulation of miR-132. The results revealed that miR-132 could modulate PTSD-like behaviors in rats following SPS through regulating FXR1 and FMRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Yin Nie
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li-Li Ji
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chang-Hai Fu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jun-Bo Peng
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Wang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Tong
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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16
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Giacobbe J, Marrocu A, Di Benedetto MG, Pariante CM, Borsini A. A systematic, integrative review of the effects of the endocannabinoid system on inflammation and neurogenesis in animal models of affective disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 93:353-367. [PMID: 33383145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is considered relevant in the pathophysiology of affective disorders, and a potential therapeutic target, as its hypoactivity is considered an important risk factor of depression. However, the biological mechanisms whereby the eCB system affects mood remain elusive. Through a systematic review, thirty-seven articles were obtained from the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases, investigating the role of the eCB system on the immune system and neurogenesis, as well as resulting behavioural effects in rodent models of affective disorders. Overall, activation of the eCB system appears to decrease depressive-like behaviour and to be anti-inflammatory, while promoting neuro- and synaptogenesis in various models. Activation of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) is shown to be crucial in improving depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviour, although cannabidiol administration suggests a role of additional mechanisms. CB1R signalling, as well as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition, are associated with decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, activation of CBRs is required for neurogenesis, which is also upregulated by FAAH inhibitors. This review is the first to assess the association between the eCB system, immune system and neurogenesis, alongside behavioural outcomes, across rodent models of affective disorders. We confirm the therapeutic potential of eCB system activation in depression and anxiety, highlighting immunoregulation as an important mechanism whereby dysfunctional behaviour and neurogenesis can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Giacobbe
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessia Marrocu
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Grazia Di Benedetto
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Fatebenefratelli S. Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Borsini
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
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17
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Dong H, Qin YQ, Sun YC, Yao HJ, Cheng XK, Yu Y, Lu SS. Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Depressive-Like Behaviors in Poststroke Rats via Activating the tPA/BDNF/TrkB Pathway. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:1057-1067. [PMID: 33880028 PMCID: PMC8053498 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s298540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) is a form of physical therapy that has been widely used in clinical practice in China. Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common neuropsychiatric complication after stroke. EA has been shown to have beneficial effects on PSD patients. However, the potential mechanism underlying the protective effects of EA on PSD remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling pathway participates in the therapeutic effects of EA in a rat PSD model. METHODS Experimental PSD was induced by combining middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with chronic unpredictable mild stimulation (CUMS) in adult male rats. Bodyweight gain, neurological score, sucrose preference, and open field test were determined at 0, 7, 14, and 35 days after completing MCAO. The protein expressions of tPA, precursor BDNF (proBDNF), mature BDNF (mBDNF), and TrkB were measured by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. The tPA inhibitor plasminogen inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was used to explore whether tPA plays a crucial role in the protective effects of EA on PSD. RESULTS Compared with the sham rats, the PSD rats showed decreased bodyweight, deteriorated neurological score, and significant depressive-like behaviors. EA remarkably reversed bodyweight loss, neurological deficit, and depressive-like behaviors in PSD rats. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis showed that PSD-induced decreased expression of tPA, mBDNF, and TrkB were prevented by EA. Furthermore, we found that the effects of EA against PSD-induced depressive-like behaviors were abolished by PAI-1, the specific inhibitor of tPA. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the improvement in depressive-like behaviors induced by EA is likely achieved via activation of the tPA/BDNF/TrkB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Dong
- Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Qiang Qin
- Treatment Center of TCM, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Chun Sun
- Treatment Center of TCM, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Jiang Yao
- Treatment Center of TCM, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Kuan Cheng
- Treatment Center of TCM, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Yu
- Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shou-Si Lu
- Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Effect of Electroacupuncture at GV20 on Sleep Deprivation-Induced Depression-Like Behavior in Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7481813. [PMID: 32904512 PMCID: PMC7456497 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7481813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that sleep deprivation (S-Dep) is a critical risk factor for depression. Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been reported to ameliorate posttraumatic stress disorder- (PSTD-) like behavior and enhance hippocampal neurogenesis. However, whether EA treatment has any beneficial effect on S-Dep-induced depression-like behavior is still unknown. In the present study, we focused on whether EA at Baihui (GV20) can ameliorate the deterioration effect of S-Dep in mice. Mice were randomly divided into normal, S-Dep, S-Dep + EA, and S-Dep + sham EA groups. Cognitive behavior test and in vitro assay were performed separately to avoid the influence of behavior test on synaptic transmission and protein expression. Depression-like behaviors were determined by forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and Morris water maze (MWM). Neurogenesis was identified by BrdU, DCX, and NeuN immunofluorescence staining. In vitro long-term potentiation was detected by high frequency stimulation (HFS) at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices. Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) protein expression level were assayed by western blot. Our results indicated that D-Sep mice demonstrated depression-like behaviors determined by prolonged immobility duration in FST and TST; D-Sep mice also manifested spatial memory retention deficit in MWM. Furthermore, EA treatment ameliorated D-Sep-induced depression-like behaviors and spatial memory retention deficit. Mechanically, EA treatment alleviated neuron progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, ameliorated the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) slope impaired by S-Dep, and elevated BDNF/TrkB protein expression. Taken together, our data suggested that EA treatment has a protective effect on S-Dep-induced depression-like behavior and cognitive impairment, which may be through regulating BDNF/TrkB protein expression.
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Xue SS, Xue F, Ma QR, Wang SQ, Wang Y, Tan QR, Wang HN, Zhou CH, Peng ZW. Repetitive high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation reverses depressive-like behaviors and protein expression at hippocampal synapses in chronic unpredictable stress-treated rats by enhancing endocannabinoid signaling. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 184:172738. [PMID: 31229467 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The anti-depressant effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a clinically-useful treatment for depression, is associated with changes to the endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, it is currently unknown whether different frequencies of rTMS alter the ECS differently. To test this, rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) were treated with rTMS at two different frequencies (5 (high) or 1 Hz (low), 1.26 Tesla) for 7 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the final rTMS treatment, we evaluated depressive-like behaviors and the expression of several synaptic proteins and ECS-related proteins in the hippocampus. In addition, we knocked-down diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLα) and cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), two important components of the ECS, and measured depressive-like behaviors and synaptic protein expression following rTMS. Furthermore, we measured the expression levels of several components of the ECS system in hippocampal-derived astrocytes and neurons exposed to repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) with different parameters (5 or 1 Hz, 0.84 or 1.26 Tesla). Interestingly, we found that only high-frequency rTMS ameliorated depressive-like behaviors and normalized the expression of hippocampal synaptic proteins in CUS-treated rats; this effect was eliminated by knockdown of DAGLα or CB1R. Moreover, we found that rMS at 5 Hz increased the expression of DAGLα and CB1R in hippocampal astrocytes and neurons. Collectively, our results suggest that high-frequency rTMS exerts its anti-depressant effect by up-regulating DAGLα and CB1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Fen Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Quan-Rui Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, 750004, China
| | - Shi-Quan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Qing-Rong Tan
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hua-Ning Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Cui-Hong Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Zheng-Wu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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