Matrine Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effects on Mice: Role of the Hippocampal PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling

Yeast supplementation potentiates fluoxetine's anti-depressant effect in mice via modulation of oxido-inflammatory, CREB, and MAPK signaling pathways

Introduction

The therapeutic potential of yeast in the management of depression is unknown. Thus, we evaluated the modulatory effect of nutritional yeast supplementation on antidepressant activity of fluoxetine in mice models of depressive-like behaviors (DLB).

Methods

A total of 112 mice were divided into 16 groups (n = 7 each) for a 3-stage study. Stage I (non-DLB study) had groups Ia (10 mL/kg vehicle), Ib (20 mg/kg fluoxetine), Ic - If (2% yeast diet for all, but Id - If additionally received 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg fluoxetine respectively). Stage II (lipopolysaccharide [LPS] model of DLB) had groups IIa - IIb (10 mL/kg vehicle), IIc (20 mg/kg fluoxetine), IId (yeast) and IIe (yeast + 20 mg/kg fluoxetine). After these treatments for 24 days, animals in IIb - IIe received 0.83 mg/kg of LPS on the 25th day. Except for group IIIa (10 mL/kg vehicle), animals in other groups of stage III (unpredictable chronic mild stress [UCMS] model) were exposed to UCMS for 24 days along with 10 mL/kg vehicle (IIIb), 20 mg/kg fluoxetine (IIIc), yeast (IIId), or yeast + fluoxetine (IIIe).

Results

Yeast and fluoxetine attenuated LPS- and UCMS-induced immobility, derangement of oxido-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, NO, MDA, SOD, GSH, CAT, and AChE) and CREB/MAPK pathways. While fluoxetine had more potent effect than yeast when used separately, pre-treatment of mice with their combination had more pronounced effect than either of them.

Conclusion

Yeast supplementation improves the antidepressant activity of fluoxetine in mice by modulating oxido-inflammatory, CREB, and MAPK pathways.

Exploring the active components and potential mechanisms of Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus in treating diabetes mellitus with depression by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS, network pharmacology and molecular docking

The growing incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and depression is a global public health issue. Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus (AOF) is a kind of medicinal and edible plant which be found with anti-diabetic property, and could improve depression-like symptoms. This study aimed to screen active targets and potential mechanisms of AOF in treating DM with depression. Injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 4 weeks were used to conduct the DM with depression mice model. Behavioral tests, indexes of glucose metabolism, monoamine neurotransmitters, inflammatory cytokine and oxidative stress were measured. Histopathological change of hippocampus tissue was observing by HE and Nissl staining. UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to explore the chemical components and mechanisms of AOF on the DM with depression. AOF showed a reversed effect on body weight in DM with depression mice. Glucose metabolism and insulin resistance could be improved by treatment of AOF. In addition, AOF could alleviate depression-like behaviors based on the results of behavior tests and monoamine neurotransmitters. AOF also attenuated STZ-CUMS induced neuron injury in hippocampus. Next, a total of 61 chemical components were identified in the UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS analysis of the extract of AOF. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that 12 active components and 227 targets were screened from AOF, and 1802 target genes were screened from DM with depression, finally 126 intersection target genes were obtained. Drug-disease targets network was constructed and implied that the top five components with a higher degree value includes quercetin, nootkatone, baicalein, (-)-epicatechin and nootkatol. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network showed that MAPK1, FOS, AKT1, IL6 and TP53 may be the core intersection targets. The mechanism of the effect of AOF on DM with depression was analyzed through gene ontology (GO), and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, mainly involved in AGE/RAGE, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways. The results of molecular docking indicated that quercetin, nootkatone, baicalein, (-)-epicatechin and nootkatol all had good binding to the core intersection targets. Overall, our experimental researches have demonstrated that AOF could exert the dual effects of anti-diabetic and anti-depression on DM with depression mice, through multi-targets and multi-pathways.

PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential in depression

Depression is a serious global mental disorder. Numerous studies have found that depression may be closely related to decreased neurogenesis, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, and synaptic plasticity dysfunction. The pathogenesis of depression is complex and involves multiple signal transduction pathways and molecular changes. The PI3K/AKT pathway is an essential signaling pathways in neurons, which is widely expressed in emotion-related regions of the brain. Therefore, the PI3K/AKT pathway may play a moderating role in mood disorders. However, the role and mechanism of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in depression have not been fully described. This review systematically summarized the role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of depression and discussed its potential in the treatment of depression. This will help in the treatment of depression and the development of antidepressants.

FTO overexpression expedites wound healing and alleviates depression in burn rats through facilitating keratinocyte migration and angiogenesis via mediating TFPI-2 demethylation

Burn injury is a serious traumatic injury that leads to severe physical and psychosocial impairment. Wound healing after burn injury is a substantial challenge in medical community. This study investigated the biological effects of the demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) on burn injury. FTO protein level in burn skin tissues of patients was measured with Western blot assay. Keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were given heat stimulation to induce an in vitro burn injury model, and then transfected with overexpression plasmids of FTO (pcDNA-FTO) or small interfering RNA against FTO (si-FTO). Cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in keratinocytes were evaluated with CCK-8, Transwell, and tube formation assays, respectively. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) m6A methylation level was detected with MeRIP‑qPCR assay. Then rescue experiments were conducted to explore the effects of FTO/TFPI-2 axis on keratinocyte functions. Lentivirus carrying FTO overexpression plasmids was injected into a burn rat model to detect its effects on wound healing and depressive-like behaviors in burn rats. FTO was downregulated in burn skin and heat-stimulated keratinocytes. FTO prominently augmented proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in heat-stimulated keratinocytes, while FTO knockdown showed the opposite results. FTO inhibited TFPI-2 expression by FTO-mediated m6A methylation modification. TFPI-2 overexpression abrogated FTO mediated enhancement of proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in keratinocytes. Additionally, FTO overexpression accelerated wound healing and improved depressive-like behaviors in burn rat model. FTO prominently augmented proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in heat-stimulated keratinocytes though inhibiting TFPI-2, and then improved wound healing and depressive-like behaviors.

Anxiogenic doses of rapamycin prevent URB597-induced anti-stress effects in socially defeated mice

Repeated exposure to psychosocial stress modulates the endocannabinoid system, particularly anandamide (AEA) signaling in brain regions associated with emotional distress. The mTOR protein regulates various neuroplastic processes in the brain disrupted by stress, including adult hippocampal neurogenesis. This kinase has been implicated in multiple effects of cannabinoid drugs and the anti-stress behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. Therefore, our hypothesis is that enhancing AEA signaling via pharmacological inhibition of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme induces an anti-stress behavioral effect through an mTOR-dependent mechanism. To test this hypothesis, male C57Bl6 mice were exposed to social defeat stress (SDS) for 7 days and received daily treatment with either vehicle or different doses of the FAAH inhibitor, URB597 (0.1; 0.3; 1 mg/Kg), alone or combined with rapamycin. The results suggested that URB597 induced an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in mice subjected to SDS (with the intermediate dose of 0.3 mg/kg being anxiolytic, and the higher tested dose of 1 mg/Kg being anxiogenic). In a second independent experiment, rapamycin treatment induced an anxiogenic-like response in control mice. However, in the presence of rapamycin, the anxiolytic dose of URB597 treatment failed to reduce stress-induced anxiety behaviors in mice. SDS exposure altered the hippocampal expression of the mTOR scaffold protein Raptor. Furthermore, the anxiogenic dose of URB597 decreased the absolute number of migrating doublecortin (DCX)-positive cells in the dentate gyrus, suggesting an anti-anxiety effect independent of newly generated/immature neurons. Therefore, our results indicate that in mice exposed to repeated psychosocial stress, URB597 fails to counteract the anxiogenic-like response induced by the pharmacological dampening of mTOR signaling.

Corydalis yanhusuo Polysaccharides Ameliorate Chronic Stress-Induced Depression in Mice through Gut Microbiota-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acid Activation of 5-Hydroxytryptamine Signaling

Depression, a prevalent psychiatric disorder, presents a serious health risk to humans. Increasing evidence suggested that the gut microbiota and the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) pathway both contribute significantly to depression. This research aimed to investigate how Corydalis yanhusuo polysaccharides (CYP) could potentially alleviate depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in mice, as well as its underlying mechanism. The sucrose preference test, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test were employed to evaluate the behavior of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PCR techniques were utilized to measure depression-related factors (dopamine [DA], 5-HT, norepinephrine [NE], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], tryptophan hydroxylase 2 [TPH-2], 5-hydroxytryptophan [5-HTP], and tryptophan hydroxylase [TPH-1] levels). Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Nissl staining were conducted to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus, the differences in the diversity of gut flora between groups were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics was utilized to evaluate short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations. The findings indicated that CYP treatment increased the sucrose preference index, decreased the immobility time, and improved neuropathological injury. In depressed mice, CYP improved the dysregulation of the gut microbiota, and increased the SCFA levels. In addition, CYP enhanced the DA, 5-HT, NE, BDNF, and TPH-2 levels in the brain and the expression of 5-HTP and TPH-1 in the colon, while SCFAs were positively correlated with these levels. In summary, our study suggested that CYP may mitigate depression by ameliorating gut microbiota dysregulation, promoting the generation of SCFAs, and activation of 5-HT signaling expression.

Catapol reduced the cognitive and mood dysfunctions in post-stroke depression mice via promoting PI3K-mediated adult neurogenesis

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis provides a regenerative resource for neural tissue and enhances neural plasticity, which is beneficial for brain functional rehabilitation post stroke. Recently, an increasing number of metabolic drugs have been reported to attenuate behavioral symptoms in neurodegeneration or psychiatric disorders via promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Bioeffects of catapol show its potential as an antidiabetic though it has been previously widely indicated to perform the neuroprotective functions. However, the systematic evidence to support the behavioral effects of catapol to PSD model and what is the role of adult neurogenesis in such effects remains unexplored. In current study, we created the PSD model by combining MCAO procedure and CORT feeding. The treatment of catapol strikingly reduced the depressive/anxiety behavior in PSD model. Moreover, treatment of catapol also improved the cognitive functions. Immunofluorescence indicates that catapol could promote adult hippocampal neurogenesis in PSD model, and TMZ treatment further confirmed the role of the hippocampal neurogenesis in catapol's therapeutic effects to PSD. Cultural neurons also indicates that PI3K is the key signal in regulating catapol mediated neurogenesis. By administrating the PI3K specific inhibitor, we found that PI3K is the key to mediate the behavioral effects of catapol to PSD. In conclusion, catapol could perform as the effective drug to treat PSD via the PI3K mediated adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

Biochemical Targets and Molecular Mechanism of Matrine against Aging

The aim of this study is to explore the potential targets and molecular mechanism of matrine (MAT) against aging. Bioinformatic-based network pharmacology was used to investigate the aging-related targets and MAT-treated targets. A total of 193 potential genes of MAT against aging were obtained and then the top 10 key genes (cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 1, Cyclin A2, androgen receptor, Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase-1 (PARP1), histone-lysine N-methyltransferase, albumin, mammalian target of rapamycin, histone deacetylase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9) were filtered by the molecular complex detection, maximal clique centrality (MMC) algorithm, and degree. The Metascape tool was used for analyzing biological processes and pathways of the top 10 key genes. The main biological processes were response to an inorganic substance and cellular response to chemical stress (including cellular response to oxidative stress). The major pathways were involved in cellular senescence and the cell cycle. After an analysis of major biological processes and pathways, it appears that PARP1/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-mediated cellular senescence may play an important role in MAT against aging. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and in vivo study were used for further investigation. MAT could interact with the cavity of the PARP1 protein with the binding energy at -8.5 kcal/mol. Results from molecular dynamics simulations showed that the PARP1-MAT complex was more stable than PARP1 alone and that the binding-free energy of the PARP1-MAT complex was -15.962 kcal/mol. The in vivo study showed that MAT could significantly increase the NAD⁺ level of the liver of d-gal-induced aging mice. Therefore, MAT could interfere with aging through the PARP1/NAD⁺-mediated cellular senescence signaling pathway.

AKT and MAPK signaling pathways in hippocampus reveals the pathogenesis of depression in four stress-induced models

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly heterogeneous psychiatric disorder. The pathogenesis of MDD remained unclear, and it may be associated with exposure to different stressors. Most previous studies have focused on molecular changes in a single stress-induced depression model, which limited the identification of the pathogenesis of MDD. The depressive-like behaviors were induced by four well-validated stress models in rats, including chronic unpredictable mild stress, learned helplessness stress, chronic restraint stress and social defeat stress. We applied proteomic and metabolomic to investigate molecular changes in the hippocampus of those four models and revealed 529 proteins and 98 metabolites. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis identified differentially regulated canonical pathways, and then we presented a schematic model that simulates AKT and MAPK signaling pathways network and their interactions and revealed the cascade reactions. Further, the western blot confirmed that p-AKT, p-ERK12, GluA1, p-MEK1, p-MEK2, p-P38, Syn1, and TrkB, which were changed in at least one depression model. Importantly, p-AKT, p-ERK12, p-MEK1 and p-P38 were identified as common alterations in four depression models. The molecular level changes caused by different stressors may be dramatically different, and even opposite, between four depression models. However, the different molecular alterations converge on a common AKT and MAPK molecular pathway. Further studies of these pathways could contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of depression, with the ultimate goal of helping to develop or select more effective treatment strategies for MDD.

The total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides L. improve depression-like behavior in mice via BDNF-mediated AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Depression has become a global public health problem and the development of new highly effective, low-toxicity antidepressants is imminent. Sophora alopecuroides L. is a common medicinal plant, which has therapeutic effect on central nervous system diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, the antidepressant effect of total alkaloids (ALK) isolated from Sophora alopecuroides L. was explored and the mechanism was further elucidated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A primary neuronal injury model was established in vitro by corticosterone. ICR mice were then selected to construct an in vivo model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression, and the ameliorative effects of ALK on depression were examined by various behavioral tests. The antidepressant molecular mechanism of ALK was subsequently revealed by ELISA, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and Golgi staining.

RESULTS

BDNF secretion as well as TrkB and ERK phosphorylated protein levels were found to be improved in primary cortical neurons, along with improved dendritic complexity of neurons. The results of in vivo showed that the depression-like behavior of CUMS-induced mice was reversed after 2 weeks of continuous gavage administration of ALK, and the neurotransmitter levels in the plasma of mice were increased. Moreover, the expression levels of key proteins of BDNF-AKT-mTOR pathway and the complexity of neuronal dendrites were improved in the prefrontal cortex of mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that ALK of Sophora alopecuroides L. can effectively improve the depressive phenotype of mice, possibly by promoting the expression of BDNF in prefrontal cortex, activating the downstream AKT/mTOR signal pathway, and ultimately enhancing neuronal dendritic complexity.

Matrine exerts its neuroprotective effects by modulating multiple neuronal pathways

Recent evidence suggests that misfolding, clumping, and accumulation of proteins in the brain may be common causes and pathogenic mechanism for several neurological illnesses. This causes neuronal structural deterioration and disruption of neural circuits. Research from various fields supports this idea, indicating that developing a single treatment for several severe conditions might be possible. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants play an essential part in maintaining the brain's chemical equilibrium by affecting the proximity of neurons. Matrine is a tetracyclo-quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the plant Sophora flavescens Aiton. Matrine has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and various other neurological disorders. Numerous studies have demonstrated that matrine protects neurons by altering multiple signalling pathways and crossing the blood-brain barrier. As a result, matrine may have therapeutic utility in the treatment of a variety of neurocomplications. This work aims to serve as a foundation for future clinical research by reviewing the current state of matrine as a neuroprotective agent and its potential therapeutic application in treating neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric illnesses. Future research will answer many concerns and lead to fascinating discoveries that could impact other aspects of matrine.

The pivotal role of JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases: Mechanistic approaches to polyphenols and alkaloids

BACKGROUND

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are characterized by progressive neuronal dysfunctionality which results in disability and human life-threatening events. In recent decades, NDDs are on the rise. Besides, conventional drugs have not shown potential effectiveness to attenuate the complications of NDDs. So, exploring novel therapeutic agents is an urgent need to combat such disorders. Accordingly, growing evidence indicates that polyphenols and alkaloids are promising natural candidates, possessing several beneficial pharmacological effects against diseases. Considering the complex pathophysiological mechanisms behind NDDs, Janus kinase (JAK), insulin receptor substrate (IRS), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) seem to play critical roles during neurodegeneration/neuroregeneration. In this line, modulation of the JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathways and their interconnected mediators by polyphenols/alkaloids could play pivotal roles in combating NDDs, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), stroke, aging, multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), depression and other neurological disorders.

PURPOSE

Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective roles of polyphenols/alkaloids as multi-target natural products against NDDs which are critically passing through the modulation of the JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathways.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic and comprehensive review was performed to highlight the modulatory roles of polyphenols and alkaloids on the JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathways in NDDs, according to the PRISMA guideline, using scholarly electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and associated reference lists.

RESULTS

In the present study 141 articles were included from a total of 1267 results. The results showed that phenolic compounds such as curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and quercetin, and alkaloids such as berberine could be introduced as new strategies in combating NDDs through JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathways. This is the first systematic review that reveals the correlation between the JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K axis which is targeted by phytochemicals in NDDs. Hence, this review highlighted promising insights into the neuroprotective potential of polyphenols and alkaloids through the JAK/STAT and IRS/PI3K signaling pathway and interconnected mediators toward neuroprotection.

CONCLUSION

Amongst natural products, phenolic compounds and alkaloids are multi-targeting agents with the most antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects possessing the potential of combating NDDs with high efficacy and lower toxicity. However, additional reports are needed to prove the efficacy and possible side effects of natural products.

Matrine alleviates depressive-like behaviors via modulating microbiota-gut-brain axis in CUMS-induced mice

BACKGROUND

The realization of the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis plays a critical role in neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly depression, is advancing rapidly. Matrine is a natural bioactive compound, which has been found to possess potential antidepressant effect. However, the underlying mechanisms of regulation of the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis in the treatment of depression by oral matrine remain elusive.

METHODS

Its antidepressant effects were initially evaluated by behavioral tests and relative levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, and matrine has been observed to attenuate the depression-like behavior and increase neurotransmitter content in CUMS-induced mice. Subsequently, studies from the "gut" to "brain" were conducted, including detection of the composition of gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing; the metabolomics detection of gut metabolites and the analysis of differential metabolic pathways; the assessment of relative levels of diamine oxidase, lipopolysaccharide, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by ELISA kits or immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Matrine could regulate the disturbance of gut microbiota and metabolites, restore intestinal permeability, and reduce intestinal inflammation, thereby reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood circulation and brain regions, and ultimately increase the levels of BDNF in brain.

CONCLUSION

Matrine may ameliorate CUMS-induced depression in mice by modulating the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis.

A randomized controlled trial on the seeds of Sophora alopecuroides var. alopecuroides for the treatment of acute heroin withdrawal syndrome

BACKGROUND

and purpose: The seeds of Sophora alopecuroides var. alopecuroides have attenuated the acute opium withdrawal syndrome in humans. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of a standardized extract of the plant for the treatment of acute heroin withdrawal syndrome was evaluated in abstinent heroin addicts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients were randomized to take three 400 mg extract capsules (N = 50) or placebo (N = 50) once per day orally for eight days. The severity of withdrawal syndrome was assessed by the clinical opiate withdrawal scale (COWS) as the primary outcome measure at the baseline and on the days 3 and 8. The hepatic and renal functions and complete blood count were the secondary outcome measures tested at the baseline and end of the study.

RESULTS

The COWS score decreased in both groups after eight days, but the decrease was significantly higher in the experimental group (p < 0.001); the effect size of the decrease was 2.64. The groups had significant differences in the COWS scores on the days 3 and 8 (p < 0.001 for both). The extract had no significant effect on the other parameters. No side effect was noted.

CONCLUSION

The extract seems to alleviate acute heroin withdrawal syndrome safely.

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

INTRODUCTION

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

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

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

Matrine Exerts Pharmacological Effects Through Multiple Signaling Pathways: A Comprehensive Review

As The main effective monomer of the traditional Chinese medicine Sophora flavescens Ait, matrine has a broad scope of pharmacological activities such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-fibrotic, anti-viral, anti-arrhythmia, and improving immune function. These actions explain its therapeutic effects in various types of tumors, cardiopathy, encephalomyelitis, allergic asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis, and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. Evidence has shown that the mechanism responsible for the pharmacological actions of matrine may be via the activation or inhibition of certain key molecules in several cellular signaling pathways including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR), transforming growth factor-β/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (TGF-β/Smad), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Wnt (wingless/ integration 1)/β-catenin, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathways. This review comprehensively summarizes recent studies on the pharmacological mechanisms of matrine to provide a theoretical basis for molecular targeted therapies and further development and utilization of matrine.

The Role of Fgf9 in the Antidepressant Effects of Exercise and Fluoxetine in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Mice

OBJECTIVE

The neurotrophic hypothesis of depression posits that stress and depression decrease neurotrophic factor expression in brain, whereas antidepressants and exercise can contribute to the blockade of stress effects and produce antidepressant effects. Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, has been reported to be dysregulated in depression. The present study aimed to determine whether and how Fgf9 mediates the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine and exercise in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CUMS for 7 weeks. From the fourth week, CUMS-exposed mice were subjected to fluoxetine treatment or swimming exercise for 4 weeks. Forced swim test, tail suspension test, and hole-board test were used to assess behaviors of mice. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine hippocampal messenger RNA levels of Fgf9, Fgf2, FgfR1, FgfR2, and FgfR3. Western blotting was used to examine the protein levels of Fgf9, protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 in mouse hippocampus.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that CUMS induced depression-like behaviors, which were reversed by fluoxetine treatment and swimming exercise. Moreover, we found that CUMS resulted in a dysregulation of Fgf9, Fgf2, and FgfR2 expression, whereas fluoxetine and swimming restored the FGF expression in CUMS-exposed mice. An analysis of the proteins suggests that the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine and exercise in CUMS-exposed mice were associated with ameliorated Fgf9/Akt signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings have demonstrated that swimming exercise mimics the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine by regulating Fgf9 in CUMS-exposed mice, which may offer new mechanism-based therapeutic targets for depression.

Beneficial Effect of Alkaloids From Sophora alopecuroides L. on CUMS-Induced Depression Model Mice via Modulating Gut Microbiota

It was recently shown that the gut microbiota of both depression patients and depression model animals is significantly altered, suggesting that gut microbes are closely related to depression. Here, we investigated the effects of Sophora alopecuroides L.-derived alkaloids on the gut microbiota of mice with depression-like behaviors. We first established a mouse model of depression via chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and detected changes in depression-like behaviors and depression-related indicators. Simultaneously, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to investigate gut microbiota changes. Sophora alopecuroides L.-derived alkaloids improved depression-like behaviors and depression-related indicators in mice. The alkaloids decreased the gut microbiota diversity of CUMS mice and depleted intestinal differentially abundant "harmful" microbiota genera. Spearman analysis showed that there is a certain correlation between the differential microbiota (Lactobacillus, Helicobacter, Oscillospira, Odoribacter, Mucispirillum, Ruminococcus), depression-like behaviors, and depression-related indicators. Combined with the predictive analysis of gut microbiota function, these results indicate that alkaloids improve depression in mice through modulating gut microbiota.

Matrine: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, clinical application and preparation researches

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

"Dogel ebs" was known as Sophora flavescens Ait., which has been widely utilized in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese Mongolian herbal medicine for thousands of years. Shen Nong's Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing in Chinese pinyin) recorded that it is bitter in taste and cold in nature with the effect of clearing heat and eliminating dampness, insecticide, diuresis. Due to its extensive application in the fields of ethnopharmacological utilization, the pharmaceutical researches of Sophora flavescens Ait.s keeps deepening. Modern pharmacological studies have exhibited that matrine, which is rich in this traditional herbal medicine, mediates its main biological properties.

AIMS OF THE REVIEW

This review aimed at summarizing the latest and comprehensive information of matrine on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, clinical application and preparation researches to explore the therapeutic potential of this natural ingredient. In addition, outlooks and perspective for possible future researches that related are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Related information concerning matrine was gathered from the internet database of Google scholar, Pubmed, ResearchGate, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library with the keywords including "matrine", "pharmacology", "toxicology" and "pharmacokinetics", "clinical application", etc. RESULTS: Based on literatures, matrine has a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, detoxification and so on. Nevertheless, there are still some doubts about it due to the toxicity and questionable bioavailability that does exist.

CONCLUSIONS

Future researches directions probably include elucidate the mechanism of its toxicity and accurately tracing the in vivo behavior of its drug delivery system. Without doubt, integration of toxicity and efficiency and structure modification based on it are also pivotal methods to enhance pharmacological activity and bioavailability.

Effects of different drying methods on the chemical constituents of Lilium lancifolium Thunb. based on UHPLC-MS analysis and antidepressant activity of the main chemical component regaloside A

The Lilium lancifolium Thunb. is a herb with multiple functions in both medicine and food in China, and its extracts have shown antidepressant effects. In this study, fresh bulbs of Lilium lancifolium Thunb. were processed to study the effects of different drying processes on changes in its main chemical components. We found that different drying methods can affect the chemical constituents of the herb. Among these components, Regaloside A has been found as the characteristic component. Here, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and Western blotting were used to evaluate the neuroprotective antidepressant effects of Regaloside A. The results showed the cell survival rate was improved, the phosphorylation levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tyrosine kinase receptor B, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase, protein kinase B, and mammalian target of rapamycin were increased after Regaloside A treatment. In general, different drying methods have a significant influence on the chemical composition of the herb, and Regaloside A may be the main chemical component of the herb. It can alleviate the damage of corticosterone in SH-SY5Y cells, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B may play an important role in the neuroprotective antidepressant effects of Regaloside A.

Long Non-Coding RNA SNHG1 Regulates the Wnt/β-Catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways via EZH2 to Affect the Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy of Prostate Cancer Cell

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant cancer in western developed countries, which has seriously threatened the life style and life quality of men. Its pathogenesis and causes remain indistinct. Currently, it is found that lncRNA-SNHG1 (SNHG1) is highly expressed in multiple tumors with proto-oncogene effect, but its function and mechanism in PCa need to be further studied.

METHODS

The expression of SNHG1 and EZH2 was detected by RT-qPCR in the 20 pairs of PCa tissue, adjacent tissue and PCa cell lines. They were transfected with siRNA NC, SNHG1 siRNA, EZH2 siRNA, SNHG1 siRNA+empty, and SNHG1 siRNA+EZH2 overexpression. Then, MTT and colony formation assay were used to detect the proliferation and cloning ability of PCa cells LNCaP and PC3. Transwell and flow cytometry were used to measure cell migration and invasion ability and apoptosis level respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the LC3 spot formation. Western blot was used to detect the expression of the autophagy-related proteins, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related proteins. Finally, in vivo nude mice tumorigenesis experiment to explore the effect of SNHG1 expression on PCa.

RESULTS

We found that SNHG1 and EZH2 were up-regulated in PCa tissue and cells. The expression of SNHG1 and EZH2 was positively correlated. RNA pull down and RNA IP assay further confirmed that SNHG1 bound to EZH2. The proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of LNCaP and PC3 cells were significantly reduced with the interference with SNHG1or EZH2 compared with the control group. The related proteins of Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were significantly reduced after the interference with SNHG1 or EZH2; after simultaneous interference with SNHG1 and overexpression of EZH2, the functional effects on LNCaP and PC3 cells interfered with SNHG1 were reversed. These results were also confirmed in vivo nude mice tumor formation experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that lncRNA-SNHG1 regulates Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways via EZH2 gene to affect proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of PCa cells. This experiment provides ideas and experimental basis for the improvement and treatment of PCa.

A Systematic Review of the Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacokinetics of Matrine

Matrine (MT) is a naturally occurring alkaloid and an bioactive component of Chinese herbs, such as Sophora flavescens and Radix Sophorae tonkinensis. Emerging evidence suggests that MT possesses anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-fibrotic, anti-allergic, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. These pharmacological properties form the foundation for its application in the treatment of various diseases, such as multiple types of cancers, hepatitis, skin diseases, allergic asthma, diabetic cardiomyopathy, pain, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. However, an increasing number of published studies indicate that MT has serious adverse effects, the most obvious being liver toxicity and neurotoxicity, which are major factors limiting its clinical use. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that MT has low oral bioavailability and short half-life in vivo. This review summarizes the latest advances in research on the pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of MT, with a focus on its biological properties and mechanism of action. The review provides insight into the future of research on traditional Chinese medicine.

Matrine alleviates neurobehavioral alterations via modulation of JNK-mediated caspase-3 and BDNF/VEGF signaling in a mouse model of burn injury

RATIONALE

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and neurotrophic factor dysregulation play a critical role in the pathogenesis of neurobehavioral disorders (anxiety and depression). Targeting the JNK pathway and BDNF/VEGF signaling may signify a new avenue for the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders.

OBJECTIVES

The present study investigated the effect of matrine (Mat) against anxiety- and depressive-like emotional status in an acute mouse model of burn injury and explores its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

In the mouse model of thermal injury, anxiety- and depression-related behaviors were evaluated using the elevated plus-maze test, the light-dark box test, the open-field test, the forced swimming test, and the tail suspension test. The JNK/caspase-3 and BDNF/VEGF proteins were determined by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, proinflammatory cytokine, antioxidant, nitric oxide, and corticosterone levels were also measured.

RESULTS

The results showed that treatment with Mat significantly improves anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. It remarkably reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of a mouse brain. It considerably improved burn-induced alteration in the antioxidant status, corticosterone, and BDNF/VEGF. It also inhibited burn-induced apoptotic signaling by downregulating the expression of JNK/caspase-3. Similarly, it prevented DNA damage and histopathological changes in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Furthermore, molecular docking results showed that Mat possess better binding affinity for JNK/caspase-3 and BDNF/VEGF proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide convincing evidence that Mat improves anxiety- and depressive-like emotional status through modulation of JNK-mediated inflammatory, oxidative stress, apoptotic, and BDNF/VEGF signaling in an acute mouse model of burn injury.

Patchouli alcohol protects against chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressant-like behavior through inhibiting excessive autophagy via activation of mTOR signaling pathway

Patchouli alcohol (PA), a tricyclic sesquiterpene, is the major chemical component of patchouli oil. This study investigated the antidepressant-like effect and mechanism of PA in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Our results showed that PA markedly attenuated CUMS-induced depressant-like behaviors, including an effective increase of sucrose preference and spontaneous exploratory capacity, as well as reduction of immobility time. In addition, PA markedly attenuated CUMS-induced mTOR, p70S6K, and 4E-BP-1 phosphorylation reduction in the hippocampus. Furthermore, PA reversed CUMS-induced increases in LC3-II and p62 levels and CUMS-induced decrease in PSD-95 and SYN-I levels. These results indicated that the antidepressant-like effect of PA was correlated with the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, behavioral experimental results showed that the antidepressant-like effect of PA was blocked by rapamycin (autophagy inducer and mTOR inhibitor) and chloroquine (autophagic flux inhibitor). These results suggest that PA exerted antidepressant-like effect in CUMS rats through inhibiting autophagy, repairing synapse, and restoring autophagic flux in the hippocampus by activating the mTOR signaling pathway. The results render PA a promising antidepressant agent worthy of further development into a pharmaceutical drug for the treatment of depression.

The antidepressant-like effects of fluvoxamine in mice involve the mTOR signaling in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex

Recent studies have suggested that activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling may be related to antidepressant actions. Although thought as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), the antidepressant mechanisms of fluvoxamine remain elusive. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether mTOR underlies the antidepressant-like effects of fluvoxamine. Male C57BL/6 J mice were subjected to 8 weeks of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) with fluvoxamine administered during the last 2 weeks. Western blotting analyses were then used to assess the expression of the mTOR signaling cascade in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) among all groups. The selective inhibitor of mTOR, rapamycin, was further used. It was found that fluvoxamine treatment fully reversed the effects of CUMS on the mTOR signaling in the hippocampus and PFC, and the usage of rapamycin significantly prevented the antidepressant-like effects of fluvoxamine in the CUMS model of depression. Taken together, the mTOR system is involved in the antidepressant mechanisms of fluvoxamine.

Plasma microRNA Array Analysis Identifies Overexpressed miR-19b-3p as a Biomarker of Bipolar Depression Distinguishing From Unipolar Depression

OBJECTIVES

The clinical characteristics of bipolar disorder (current major depressive episode) (BD) overlap with unipolar depressive disorder (UD), which makes it difficult to perform an accurate diagnosis. We identified plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) that distinguished BD from UD and explored the relationship between miRNA expression levels and clinical characteristics.

METHODS

Total miRNAs from blood plasma from seven UD patients, seven BD patients, and six controls were analyzed. The identified miRNAs were validated in a separate population group. Depression severity and early life adversities were assessed. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to investigate the target genes that were identified and the pathways associated with the altered miRNAs.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, 42 miRNAs were differentially expressed in patients. miR-19b-3p, miR-3921, and miR-1180-3p were selected to validate the microarray results. Only miR-19b-3p was validated as down-regulated in patients. The primary predicted genes associated with miR-19b-3p were MAPK1, PTEN, and PRKAA1. The most relevant KEGG pathways included mTOR, FoxO, and the PI3-K/Akt signaling pathway. BD patients were more likely to have higher expression levels of miR-19b-3p and more severe childhood trauma experience compared to UD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma miR-19b-3p is a potential non-invasive biomarker that might be useful in distinguishing UD from BD. miR-19b3p was predicted to be involved in the pathway of inflammatory dysregulation associated with experiencing early childhood trauma.

Quinolizidine alkaloids derivatives from Sophora alopecuroides Linn: Bioactivities, structure-activity relationships and preliminary molecular mechanisms

Quinolizidine alkaloids, as essential active ingredients extracted from Sophora alopecuroides Linn, have been well concerned in the past several decades owing to the unique structural features and numerous pharmacological activities. Quinolizidine alkaloids consist of matrine, oxymatrine, sophoridine, sophocarpine and aloperine etc. Additionally, quinolizidine alkaloids exert various excellent activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, anti-virus and anti-arrhythmia regulations. In this review, we comprehensively clarify the pharmacological activities of quinolizidine alkaloids, as well as the relationship between biological function and structure-activity of substituted quinolizidine alkaloids. We believe that biological agents based on the pharmacological functions of quinolizidine alkaloids could be well applied in clinical practice.

Dammarane sapogenins alleviates depression-like behaviours induced by chronic social defeat stress in mice through the promotion of the BDNF signalling pathway and neurogenesis in the hippocampus

Chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) is a widely used behavioural paradigm of psychosocial stress that can be used to research the pathogenesis of depression and seek antidepressant drugs. Dammarane sapogenins (DS), the deglycosylated product of ginsenosides, has a wide range of biological activities, including immunomodulatory, antifatigue, antitumour and antidepressant activities. However, whether DS has antidepressant-like effects in a CSDS mouse model remains unknown. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the antidepressant properties of DS in CSDS mice and its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that the oral administration of DS (40 and 80 mg/kg) increased the time spent in the interaction zone in the social interaction test and the sucrose intake in the sucrose preference test, decreased the latency in the novelty-suppressed feeding test, and reduced the immobility time in both the tail suspension test and forced swimming test. Biochemical analyses of brain tissue and serum showed that DS treatment significantly decreased serum corticosterone levels and enhanced brain monoamine neurotransmitter levels in CSDS mice. In addition, an impairment in hippocampal neurogenesis that paralleled a reduced BDNF level in the hippocampus was observed in the mice that were subjected with CSDS for 3 weeks, while treatment with DS reversed these changes. Moreover, DS treatment significantly upregulated BDNF, pTrkB/TrkB, pAkt/Akt, pPI3K/PI3K, pCREB/CREB, pERK1/2/ERK1/2 and pmTOR/mTOR protein expression in the hippocampus. In conclusion, our results showed that DS exerts antidepressant-like effects in mice with CSDS-induced depression, that the effects may be mediated by the normalization of monoamine neurotransmitter levels, the prevention of HPA axis dysfunction and the impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis, and that this occurs partly through the ability of DS to enhance BDNF expression by increasing the TrkB/CREB/ERK pathway and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

ZhiShiXiaoPi tang inhibits autophagy induced by corticosterone and functional dyspepsia through blockade of the mTOR pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

ZhiShiXiaoPi Tang (ZSXPT) is a Chinese traditional medicine formula that contains 10 Chinese traditional medicine substances. It has been widely used to treat patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). However, the protective effect of ZSXPT and its molecular mechanisms in FD still remain elusive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the protective effect of ZSXPT on autophagy induced by Corticosterone (Cort) in PC12 cells which have typical neuron characteristics and have been widely used as a model system for depression studies and FD rats, and explore its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint analysis was performed to characterize the chemical composition of ZSXPT. Depression-induced autophagy, ROS generation, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were investigated in Cort-induced PC12 cells and in FD rats to evaluate the protective effects of ZSXPT.

RESULTS

Our results show that ZSXPT treatment protects neurons against Cort-induced damage and apoptosis by increasing cell viability and reducing the release of lactate dehydrogenase. ZSXPT decreased Cort-induced ROS generation, increased MMP, and accelerated autophagy through the blockade of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Moreover, we observed similar findings when we studied ZSXPT in a rat model of FD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our in vitro and in vivo results indicate that the neuroprotective effect of ZSXPT against autophagy-induced damage and apoptosis occurs mainly by blocking the mTOR pathway in Cort-induced PC12 cells and in FD rats. Taken together, these data provide reliable experimental evidence and explain the molecular mechanism by which ZSXPT ameliorates FD.