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Gerami SS, Ebrahimi-Ghiri M, Khakpai F, Zarrindast MR. Antidepressive synergism between crocin and D-AP5 in acute restraint-stressed mice. Behav Pharmacol 2024; 35:327-337. [PMID: 39051912 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that crocin rescues stress-induced depressive symptoms in mice via stimulation of hippocampal neurogenesis. Glutamate modulators mainly involving N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) have highlighted a role in neural development, synaptic plasticity, and depression. The research presented here was designed to appraise the interaction between NMDAR agents and crocin on depressive-related behaviors in the NMRI male mice exposed to acute restraint stress (ARS) for a period of 4 h. The mice were submitted to the splash test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test to evaluate depressive-like behavior. The ARS decreased the grooming duration in the splash test and increased immobility time in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test, suggesting a depressive-like phenotype. NMDA (0.25 and 0.5 μg/mouse, intracerebroventricular) did not alter depression-related profiles in both non-acute restraint stress (NARS) and ARS mice, while the same doses of NMDAR antagonist D-AP5 potentiated the antidepressive-like activities in the ARS mice compared with the NARS mice. Moreover, a low dose of NMDA did not change depression-related parameters in the crocin-treated NARS or ARS mice, while D-AP5 enhanced the crocin response in the NARS and ARS mice. Isobologram analysis noted a synergism between crocin and D-AP5 on antidepressive-like behavior in the NARS and ARS mice. Collectively, the combination of crocin and D-AP5 was shown to mitigate depression symptoms and can be potentially used for the treatment of depression disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana-Sadat Gerami
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran
| | | | - Fatemeh Khakpai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
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Houshyar M, Karimi H, Ghofrani-Jahromi Z, Nouri S, Vaseghi S. Crocin (bioactive compound of Crocus sativus L.) potently restores REM sleep deprivation-induced manic- and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors in female rats. Behav Pharmacol 2024; 35:239-252. [PMID: 38567447 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation (SD) can induce manic-like behaviors including hyperlocomotion. On the other hand, crocin (one of the main compounds of Crocus sativus L. or Saffron) may be beneficial in the improvement of mental and cognitive dysfunctions. Also, crocin can restore the deleterious effects of SD on mental and cognitive processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of REM SD on female rats' behaviors including depression- and anxiety-like behaviors, locomotion, pain perception, and obsessive-compulsive-like behavior, and also, the potential effect of crocin on REM SD effects. We used female rats because evidence on the role of REM SD in modulating psychological and behavioral functions of female (but not male) rats is limited. REM SD was induced for 14 days (6h/day), and crocin (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. Open field test, forced swim test, hot plate test, and marble burying test were used to assess rats' behaviors. The results showed REM SD-induced manic-like behavior (hyperlocomotion). Also, REM SD rats showed decreased anxiety- and depression-like behavior, pain subthreshold (the duration it takes for the rat to feel pain), and showed obsessive compulsive-like behavior. However, crocin at all doses partially or fully reversed REM SD-induced behavioral changes. In conclusion, our results suggested the possible comorbidity of OCD and REM SD-induced manic-like behavior in female rats or the potential role of REM SD in the etiology of OCD, although more studies are needed. In contrast, crocin can be a possible therapeutic choice for decreasing manic-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Houshyar
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr
| | - Hanie Karimi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
| | - Zahra Ghofrani-Jahromi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR
| | - Sarah Nouri
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
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Zheng Y, Li X, Lin D, Wu J, Tian Y, Chen H, Rui W. Structural elucidation of a non-starch polysaccharides from Lilii Bulbus and its protective effects against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. Glycoconj J 2024; 41:57-65. [PMID: 38153598 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-023-10145-4] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Lilii Bulbus is a folk medicine for both culinary and medicinal purpose. In traditional medicine theory, Lilii Bulbus is usually used as an complementary therapy for nourishing the heart and lung, clearing heat in the treatment of mental instability and depression. In this study, NLPS-1a (Mw = 2610 Da, DP = 16), a water-soluble non-starch Lilii Bulbus polysaccharides, was isolated and purified. Structural analysis showed that NLPS-1a mainly contained Man and Glc with a molar ratio of 11.137 and 9.427. The glycosidic linkages of NLPS-1a were 1,3-Manp (59.93%), 1,2-Glcp (37.93%), T-Glcp (1.21%) and T-Manp (0.93%), indicating the highly-linear structures. In addition, NLPS-1a could significantly repair the injury of PC12 cells induced by corticosterone (CORT), reduce Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and decrease the cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Above all, the results indicated that NLPS-1a had protective effects against CORT-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, and might be a natural antidepressant, which enriched the study of the metabolic mechanism between herbal polysaccharides and antidepressant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yili Zheng
- The Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280# Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P.R. China
| | - Xueying Li
- The Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280# Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P.R. China
| | - Danna Lin
- The Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280# Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P.R. China
| | - Jian Wu
- The Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280# Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yufei Tian
- The Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280# Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P.R. China
| | - Hongyuan Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese, Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P.R. China.
- Guangdong Cosmetics Engineering & Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, 510006, P.R. China.
| | - Wen Rui
- The Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280# Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Digital Quality Evaluation of Chinese, Materia Medica of State Administration of TCM, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P.R. China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topical Precise Drug Delivery System, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China.
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Abbaszade-Cheragheali A, Kakhki S, Khatibi SR, Hosseini M, Navari F, Beheshti F. Feeding crocin ameliorate cognitive dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress in rats. Inflammopharmacology 2023:10.1007/s10787-023-01250-9. [PMID: 37261629 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the current study was to investigate the probable mechanism and effect of crocin on brain oxidative damage and memory deficits induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups consisting of one vehicle group (received normal saline), four groups included rats who received UCMS 4 weeks out of which three groups were pretreated with different doses of crocin (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg/day) concomitantly. To assess the pure effect of crocin, the last experimental group received a high dose of crocin (30 mg/kg/day) without exposure to the UCMS procedure. The behavioral tests including Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) were performed and eventually they were sacrificed for the estimation of biochemical parameters. RESULTS The increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative stress indicator and nitrite levels in the hippocampus were observed in UCMS rats, along with memory deficits in behavioral tests including passive avoidance and Morris water maze (MWM) test. Moreover, treatment with crocin decreased MDA, nitrite, pro-inflammatory cytokine such as TNF-α, and pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease including amyloid-β (Aβ), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the hippocampus, whereas antioxidant agents including total thiol content, SOD, and catalase activity were increased. Also behavioral test demonstrated a positive effect of crocin on memory deficit induced by UCMS. Interlukin-10 as an important anti-inflammatory agent was increased as well. Interestingly, in some behavioral and biochemical findings, treatment with 30 mg/kg of crocin has given better results compared to vehicle group, which means the administration of crocin could have preventive effects on learning and memory impairment. CONCLUSION The present study strongly confirmed the positive effect of crocin and has the potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that could improve memory impairment induced by UCMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abbaszade-Cheragheali
- Student Research Committee, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
- Departments of Physiology, School of Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Samaneh Kakhki
- Neuroscience Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Khatibi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hosseini
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Navari
- Imam Hossein Educational Hospital, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Farimah Beheshti
- Student Research Committee, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.
- Departments of Physiology, School of Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.
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Tao W, Yao G, Yue Q, Xu C, Hu Y, Cheng X, Zhao T, Qi M, Chen G, Zhao M, Yu Y. 14-3-3ζ Plays a key role in the modulation of neuroplasticity underlying the antidepressant-like effects of Zhi-Zi-Chi-Tang. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154888. [PMID: 37257329 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zhi-Zi-Chi-Tang (ZZCT) is an effective traditional Chinese medicinal formula. ZZCT has been used for the treatment of depression for centuries. Its clinical efficacy in relieving depression has been confirmed. However, the molecular mechanisms of ZZCT regarding neuroplasticity in the pathogenesis of depression have not yet been elucidated. PURPOSE The present study aimed to examine the effects of ZZCT on neuroplasticity in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS For this purpose, a murine model of depression was established using the CUMS procedure. Following the intragastric administration of ZZCT or fluoxetine, classic behavioral experiments were performed to observe the efficacy of ZZCT as an antidepressant. Immunofluorescence was used to label and quantify microtubule-associated protein (MAP2) and postsynaptic density protein (PSD95) in the hippocampus. Golgi staining was applied to visualize the dendritic spine density of neurons in the hippocampi. Isolated hippocampal slices were prepared to induce long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 area. The hippocampal protein expression levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), p-GSK-3β (Ser9), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), p-CREB (Ser133), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and 14-3-3ζ were detected using western blot analysis. The interaction of 14-3-3ζ and p-GSK-3β (Ser9) was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. LV-shRNA was used to knockdown 14-3-3ζ by an intracerebroventricular injection. RESULTS ZZCT (6 g/kg) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) alleviated depressive-like behavior, restored hippocampal MAP2+ PSD95+ intensity, and reversed the dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons and LTP in the CA1 region of mice exposed to CUMS. Both low and high doses of ZZCT (3 and 6 g/kg) significantly promoted the binding of 14-3-3ζ to p-GSK-3β (Ser9) in the hippocampus, and ZZCT (6 g/kg) significantly promoted the phosphorylation of GSK-3β Ser9 and CREB Ser133 in the hippocampus. ZZCT (3 and 6 g/kg) upregulated hippocampal BDNF expression in mice exposed to CUMS. LV-sh14-3-3ξ reduced the antidepressant effects of ZZCT. CONCLUSION ZZCT exerted antidepressant effects against CUMS-stimulated depressive-like behavior mice. The knockdown of 14-3-3ζ using lentivirus confirmed that 14-3-3ζ was involved in the ZZCT-mediated antidepressant effects through GSK-3β/CREB/BDNF signaling. On the whole, these results suggest that the antidepressant effects of ZZCT are attributed to restoring damage by neuroplasticity enhancement via the 14-3-3ζ/GSK-3β/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Tao
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Neurology Department, Kunshan Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China
| | - Guangda Yao
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qiyu Yue
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chunyan Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yue Hu
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - XiaoLan Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mingming Qi
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Personalized Medicine in Brain Disorders, and Research Center for Formula and Patterns, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yue Yu
- Neurology Department, Kunshan Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China.
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Albalawi GA, Albalawi MZ, Alsubaie KT, Albalawi AZ, Elewa MAF, Hashem KS, Al-Gayyar MMH. Curative effects of crocin in ulcerative colitis via modulating apoptosis and inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110138. [PMID: 37030122 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with characteristic inflammation to mucosal cells in rectum and colon leading to lesions in mucosa and submucosa. Moreover, crocin is a carotenoid compound among active constituents of saffron with many pharmacological effects as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Therefore, we aimed to investigate therapeutic effects of crocin against UC through affecting the inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. For induction of UC in rats, intracolonic 2 ml of 4% acetic acid was used. After induction of UC, part of rats was treated with 20 mg/kg crocin. cAMP was measured using ELISA. Moreover, we measured gene and protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), BCL2-associated X (BAX), caspase-3/8/9, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β/4/6/10. Colon sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue or immune-stained with anti-TNF-α antibodies. Microscopic images of colon sections in UC group revealed destruction of intestinal glands associated with infiltration of inflammatory cell and severe hemorrhage. While images stained with Alcian blue showed damaged and almost absent intestinal glands. Crocin treatment ameliorated morphological changes. Finally, crocin significantly reduced expression levels of BAX, caspase-3/8/9, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, associated with increased levels of cAMP and expression of BCL2, IL-4 and IL-10. In conclusion, protective of action of crocin in UC is proved by restoration of normal weight and length of colon as well as improvement of morphological structure of colon cells. The mechanism of action of crocin in UC is indicated by activation of anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghadeer A Albalawi
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Z Albalawi
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kunuz T Alsubaie
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammed A F Elewa
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Khalid S Hashem
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mohammed M H Al-Gayyar
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia.
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Curtis GR, Gargiulo AT, Carpenter BA, Pirino BE, Hawks A, Coleman SA, Syed NA, Gupta A, Barson JR. Sex-related differences in endogenous pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the thalamic paraventricular nucleus: Implications for addiction neuroscience. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 5:100058. [PMID: 36798694 PMCID: PMC9928148 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Males and females exhibit differences in motivated and affective behavior; however, the neural substrates underlying these differences remain poorly understood. In the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT), sex-related differences in neuronal activity have been identified in response to motivated behavior tasks and affective challenges. Within the PVT, the neuropeptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), is highly expressed and is also involved in motivated and affective behavior. The purpose of this study was to compare the expression of PACAP mRNA and peptide in the PVT of males and females. Analysis with quantitative real-time PCR in mice revealed that females had significantly higher levels of PACAP mRNA than males in the whole PVT, but no differences in the neuropeptides enkephalin or corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in this brain region. While in rats, females demonstrated a trend for greater gene expression than males in the anterior/middle and middle/posterior PVT, they again showed no differences in enkephalin or CRF. Analysis with immunofluorescent histochemistry revealed that female mice had significantly more PACAP-containing cells than males as a function of area throughout the PVT, and that female rats had significantly more PACAP-27 and PACAP-38-containing cells than males, both as a percentage of total cells and as a function of PVT area. For PACAP-27, this specifically occurred in the anterior PVT, and for PACAP-38, it occurred throughout the anterior, middle, and posterior PVT. These results suggest that sex-related differences in PVT PACAP may underly some of the established sex-related differences in motivated and affective behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve R. Curtis
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - Andrew T. Gargiulo
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - Brody A. Carpenter
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - Breanne E. Pirino
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - Annie Hawks
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - Sierra A. Coleman
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - Nawal A. Syed
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - Anuranita Gupta
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - Jessica R. Barson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
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Ge H, Li J, Xu Y, Xie J, Karim N, Yan F, Mo J, Chen W. Ameliorative effect of Fructus Gardeniae against lipotoxicity associated hepatocytes injury through activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. FOOD BIOSCI 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
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Khosravi-Nezhad S, Hassanpour S, Hesaraki S. L-Theanine Improves Locomotor Function in a Model of Multiple Sclerosis Mice. ARCHIVES OF RAZI INSTITUTE 2023; 78:195-203. [PMID: 37312698 PMCID: PMC10258260 DOI: 10.22092/ari.2022.360066.2544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study designed to investigate the protective effects of L-theanine on experimental Multiple sclerosis in mice. Frothy Male C57BL/6 mice were allocated into 4 experimental groups: control no treatment received a regular chew pellet, and the cuprizone (CPZ) group received a standard chew pellet containing 0.2% (w/w) CPZ. In group 3, mice were fed a regular diet and administered p.o. with L-theanine (50mg/kg). In group 4, mice received a diet containing CPZ and were administered p.o. with L-theanine (50mg/kg). Finally, reflexive motor behavior and serum antioxidant levels were determined. Based on findings, CPZ significantly decreased ambulation score, hind-limb suspension, front limb suspension, and grip strength (P<0.05). The CPZ + L-theanine reduced the adverse effect of the CPZ on ambulation score, hind-limb foot angle, surface righting, and negative geotaxis (P<0.05). The CPZ + L-theanine increased front and hind-limb suspension, grip strength, number of the cross, and duration of a stay on the rotarod compared to the control animal (P<0.05). CPZ administration significantly elevated serum malondialdehyde (MDA) while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels decreased compared to control mice (P<0.05). The CPZ + L-theanine leads to the cessation of MDA production while increasing SOD, GPx, and TAS levels (P<0.05). These results suggested L-theanine has a protective effect against CPZ-induced MS in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sh Khosravi-Nezhad
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sh Hassanpour
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Hesaraki
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Jee HJ, Ryu D, Kim S, Yeon SH, Son RH, Hwang SH, Jung YS. Fermented Perilla frutescens Ameliorates Depression-like Behavior in Sleep-Deprivation-Induced Stress Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010622. [PMID: 36614066 PMCID: PMC9820360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of mood disorders such as depression. Fermented natural products have recently attracted attention because of their health benefits. We evaluated the antidepressant-like efficacy of fermented Perilla frutescens (FPF), and its underlying mechanisms, in sleep deprivation (SD)-induced stress mice. SD-stressed mice revealed a remarkable increase in the immobility time in both forced swimming test and tail suspension test; this increase was ameliorated by treatment with FPF at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg. FPF treatment also reduced the level of stress hormones such as corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone. Additionally, FPF increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine which were significantly decreased in the brain tissues of SD-stressed mice. The increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL1β, and the decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the stressed mice were significantly reversed by FPF treatment. Furthermore, FPF also increased phosphorylation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Among the six components isolated from FPF, protocatechuic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects, suggesting that they are major active components. These findings suggest that FPF has therapeutic potential for SD-induced stress, by correcting dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and modulating the BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Jee
- College of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- AI-Super Convergence KIURI Translational Research Center, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Dajung Ryu
- College of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Suyeon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hum Yeon
- R&D Center, Huons Co., Ltd., 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Rak Ho Son
- R&D Center, Huons Co., Ltd., 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Hwang
- R&D Center, Huons Co., Ltd., 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi-Sook Jung
- College of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-219-3444
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Matraszek-Gawron R, Chwil M, Terlecki K, Skoczylas MM. Current Knowledge of the Antidepressant Activity of Chemical Compounds from Crocus sativus L. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:58. [PMID: 36678554 PMCID: PMC9860663 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotropic effect of Crocus sativus L. (family Iridaceae) biologically active chemical compounds are quite well documented and they can therefore be used in addition to the conventional pharmacological treatment of depression. This systematic review on antidepressant compounds in saffron crocus and their mechanisms of action and side effects is based on publications released between 1995−2022 and data indexed in 15 databases under the following search terms: antidepressant effect, central nervous system, Crocus sativus, cognitive impairement, crocin, crocetin, depression, dopamine, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, picrocrocin, phytotherapy, neurotransmitters, safranal, saffron, serotonin, and biologically active compounds. The comparative analysis of the publications was based on 414 original research papers. The investigated literature indicates the effectiveness and safety of aqueous and alcoholic extracts and biologically active chemical compounds (alkaloids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoid, phenolic, saponins, and terpenoids) isolated from various organs (corms, leaves, flower petal, and stigmas) in adjuvant treatment of depression and anxiety. Monoamine reuptake inhibition, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-α agonism are the main proposed mechanism of the antidepressant action. The antidepressant and neuroprotective effect of extract components is associated with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The mechanism of their action, interactions with conventional drugs and other herbal preparations and the safety of use are not fully understood; therefore, further detailed research in this field is necessary. The presented results regarding the application of C. sativus in phytotherapy are promising in terms of the use of herbal preparations to support the treatment of depression. This is particularly important given the steady increase in the incidence of this disease worldwide and social effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Matraszek-Gawron
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mirosława Chwil
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karol Terlecki
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1 Street, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Marian Skoczylas
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1 Street, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
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12
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Sun Y, Zhao J, Rong J. Dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant activities of herbal medicines through the comprehensive review of the recent literatures. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1054726. [PMID: 36620687 PMCID: PMC9813794 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1054726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is clinically defined as a mood disorder with persistent feeling of sadness, despair, fatigue, and loss of interest. The pathophysiology of depression is tightly regulated by the biosynthesis, transport and signaling of neurotransmitters [e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)] in the central nervous system. The existing antidepressant drugs mainly target the dysfunctions of various neurotransmitters, while the efficacy of antidepressant therapeutics is undermined by different adverse side-effects. The present review aimed to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant activities of herbal medicines toward the development of effective and safe antidepressant drugs. Our strategy involved comprehensive review and network pharmacology analysis for the active compounds and associated target proteins. As results, 45 different antidepressant herbal medicines were identified from various in vivo and in vitro studies. The antidepressant mechanisms might involve multiple signaling pathways that regulate neurotransmitters, neurogenesis, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, endocrine, and microbiota. Importantly, herbal medicines could modulate broader spectrum of the cellular pathways and processes to attenuate depression and avoid the side-effects of synthetic antidepressant drugs. The present review not only recognized the antidepressant potential of herbal medicines but also provided molecular insights for the development of novel antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilu Sun
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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13
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Liu H, Wu Y, Li C, Tang Q, Zhang YW. Molecular docking and biochemical validation of (-)-syringaresinol-4-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside binding to an allosteric site in monoamine transporters. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1018473. [PMID: 36386236 PMCID: PMC9649612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1018473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Albizia julibrissin Durazz is one of the most common herbs used for depression and anxiety treatment, but its mechanism of action as an antidepressant or anxiolytic drug have not been fully understood. We previously isolated and identified one lignan glycoside compound from Albizia Julibrissin Durazz, (-)-syringaresinol-4-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (SAG), that inhibited all three monoamine transporters with a mechanism of action different from that of the conventional antidepressants. In this study, we generated homology models for human dopamine transporter and human norepinephrine transporter, based on the X-ray structure of Drosophila dopamine transporter, and conducted the molecular docking of SAG to all three human monoamine transporters. Our computational results indicated that SAG binds to an allosteric site (S2) that has been demonstrated to be formed by an aromatic pocket positioned in the scaffold domain in the extracellular vestibule connected to the central site (S1) in these monoamine transporters. In addition, we demonstrated that SAG stabilizes a conformation of serotonin transporter with both the extracellular and cytoplasmic pathways closed. Furthermore, we performed mutagenesis of the residues in both the allosteric and orthosteric sites to biochemically validate SAG binding in all three monoamine transporters. Our results are consistent with the molecular docking calculation and support the association of SAG with the allosteric site. We expect that this herbal molecule could become a lead compound for the development of new therapeutic agents with a novel mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhe Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingyao Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chan Li
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingfa Tang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Wei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Efficacy and Safety of Jianpi Jieyu Decoction for Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Depression of Xin (Heart)-Pi (Spleen) Deficiency Syndrome: A Multi-centre Randomized Controlled Study. Chin J Integr Med 2022; 29:299-307. [PMID: 36301455 PMCID: PMC9607702 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-022-3685-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jianpi Jieyu Decoction (JJD) for treating patients with mild-to-moderate depression of Xin (Heart)-Pi (Spleen) deficiency (XPD) syndrome. Methods In this multi-center, randomized, controlled study, 140 patients with mild-to-moderate depression of XPD syndrome were included from Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Botou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2017 to December 2019. They were randomly divided into JJD group and paroxetine group by using a random number table, with 70 cases in each group. The patients in the JJD group were given JJD one dose per day (twice daily at morning and evening, 100 mL each time), and the patients in the paroxetine group were given paroxetine (10 mg/d in week 1; 20 mg/d in weeks 2–6), both orally administration for a total of 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the change of 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) score at week 6 from baseline. The secondary outcomes included the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score, Traditional Chinese Medicine Symptom Scale (TCMSS), and Clinlcal Global Impression (CGI) scores at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th weekends of treatment, HAMD-17 response (defined as a reduction in score of >50%) and HAMD-17 remission (defined as a score of ⩽7) at the end of the 6th week of treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were also recorded. Results From baseline to week 6, the HAMD-17 scores decreased 10.2 ± 4.0 and 9.1 ± 4.9 points in the JJD and paroxetine groups, respectively (P=0.689). The HAMD-17 response occurred in 60% of patients in the JJD group and in 50% of those in the paroxetine group (P=0.292); HAMD-17 remission occurred in 45.7% and 30% of patients, respectively (P=0.128). The differences of CGI scores at the 6th week were not statistically significant (P>0.05). There were significant differences in HAMD-17 scores between the two groups at 2nd and 4th week (P=0.001 and P=0.014). The HAMA scores declined 8.1 ± 3.0 and 6.9 ± 4.3 points from baseline to week 6 in the JJD and paroxetine groups, respectively (P=0.905 between groups). At 4th week of treatment, there was a significant difference in HAMA between the two groups (P=0.037). TCMSS decreased 11.4 ± 5.1, and 10.1 ± 6.8 points in the JJD and paroxetine groups, respectively (P=0.080 between groups). At the 6th week, the incidence of AEs in the JJD group was significantly lower than that in the paroxetine group (7.14% vs. 22.86%, P<0.05). Conclusion Compared with paroxetine, JJD was associated with a significantly lower incidence of AEs in patients with mild-to-moderate depression of XPD syndrome, with no difference in efficacy at 6 weeks. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2000040922) Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material (Appendix 1) is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s11655-022-3685-6.
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15
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He MC, Feng R, Wang J, Xia SH, Wang YJ, Zhang Y. Prevention and treatment of natural products from Traditional Chinese Medicine in depression: Potential targets and mechanisms of action. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:950143. [PMID: 35923544 PMCID: PMC9339961 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.950143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathology involved in the development of depression is complex. Many signaling pathways and transcription factors have been demonstrated to display crucial roles in the process of depression occurrence and development. The multi-components and multi-targets of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are uniquely advantageous in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. This review summarizes the pharmacological regulations of natural products from TCM in the prevention and treatment of depression from the aspects of transcription factors (CREB, NF-κB, Nrf2) and molecular signaling pathways (BDNF-TrkB, MAPK, GSK-3β, TLR-4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chao He
- Spine Disease Research Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Spine Disease Research Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Hui Xia
- Spine Disease Research Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Jun Wang
- Spine Disease Research Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Spine Disease Research Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Zhang,
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Zhang H, Sun Y, Yau SY, Zhou Y, Song X, Zhang HT, Zhu B, Wu H, Chen G. Synergistic effects of two natural compounds of iridoids on rapid antidepressant action by up-regulating hippocampal PACAP signaling. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:4078-4091. [PMID: 35362097 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current mainstream antidepressants have limited efficacy and a delayed onset of action. Yueju is a traditional herbal medicine conferring rapid antidepressant activity. Here we attempted to identify the effective compounds from Yueju and the underlying mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A transcriptomic analysis was employed to discover key candidate molecules for rapid antidepressant response. The enriched compounds in Yueju were identified with HPLC. Antidepressant effects were evaluated periodically using various behavioral paradigms. The mechanistic signaling was assessed using site-directed pharmacological intervention or optogenetic manipulation. KEY RESULTS A transcriptomic analysis revealed that Yueju up-regulated pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) expression in the hippocampus. Two iridoids geniposide (GP) and shanzhiside methyl-ester (SM) were enriched in Yueju. Co-treatment of GP and SM each at an equivalent dose in Yueju synergistically increased PACAP expression and elicited rapid antidepressant effects, which were prevented by intra-hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) infusions of a PACAP antagonist or optogenetic inactivation of PACAP-expressing neurons. GP-SM co-treatment rapidly reduced CaMKII phosphorylation and enhanced mTOR/4EBP1/P70S6k/BDNF signaling, while intra-DG infusions of a CaMKII activator blunted rapid antidepressant effects and BDNF expression up-regulation induced by GP-SM co-treatment. A single administration of GP-SM rapidly improved depression-like behaviors and up-regulated hippocampal PACAP signaling in the repeated corticosterone-induced depression model, further confirming its rapid antidepressant action and the involvement of PACAP. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS GP-SM co-treatment elicited a synergistic effect on rapid antidepressant effects via triggering hippocampal PACAP activity and associated CaMKII-BDNF signaling, shedding lights on the development of novel targeted antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailou Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Personalized Medicine in Brain Disorders & School of Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neurogeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Personalized Medicine in Brain Disorders & School of Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Suk-Yu Yau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanmeng Zhou
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Xinxin Song
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Boran Zhu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Haoxin Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine & College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Personalized Medicine in Brain Disorders & School of Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Departments of Psychiatry & Clinical and Translational Institute of Psychiatric Disorders, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neurogeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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17
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Siddiqui SA, Ali Redha A, Snoeck ER, Singh S, Simal-Gandara J, Ibrahim SA, Jafari SM. Anti-Depressant Properties of Crocin Molecules in Saffron. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072076. [PMID: 35408474 PMCID: PMC9000812 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Saffron is a valued herb, obtained from the stigmas of the C. sativus Linn (Iridaceae), with therapeutic effects. It has been described in pharmacopoeias to be variously acting, including as an anti-depressant, anti-carcinogen, and stimulant agent. The therapeutic effects of saffron are harbored in its bioactive molecules, notably crocins, the subject of this paper. Crocins have been demonstrated to act as a monoamine oxidase type A and B inhibitor. Furthermore, saffron petal extracts have experimentally been shown to impact contractile response in electrical field stimulation. Other research suggests that saffron also inhibits the reuptake of monoamines, exhibits N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonism, and improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling. A host of experimental studies found saffron/crocin to be similarly effective as fluoxetine and imipramine in the treatment of depression disorders. Saffron and crocins propose a natural solution to combat depressive disorders. However, some hurdles, such as stability and delivery, need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany;
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), 49610 D-Quakenbrück, Germany
| | - Ali Ali Redha
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK;
- Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Edgar Remmet Snoeck
- Food Technology Study Programme, HAS University of Applied Sciences, Onderwijsboulevard 221, 5223 DE ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands;
| | - Shubhra Singh
- Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Xuefu Rd, Neipu Township, Pingtung City 912, Taiwan;
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, Universidade de Vigo, E-32004 Ourense, Spain;
| | - Salam A. Ibrahim
- Food and Nutritional Sciences Program, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, E. Market Street, 1601, Greensboro, NC 24711, USA;
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, Universidade de Vigo, E-32004 Ourense, Spain;
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan 49189, Iran
- Correspondence:
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Jia Z, Yang J, Cao Z, Zhao J, Zhang J, Lu Y, Chu L, Zhang S, Chen Y, Pei L. Baicalin ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression through the BDNF/ERK/CREB signaling pathway. Behav Brain Res 2021; 414:113463. [PMID: 34280458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can activate the extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK)/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) cascade revealing an important role in antidepressant effects. Here, we studied the neuroprotective effect of baicalin (BA) in mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced via a BDNF/ERK/CREB signaling pathway. Depression was induced via six weeks of CUMS in male ICR mice, and drug therapy was given simultaneously for the last three weeks. Cognitive dysfunctions were then evaluated via sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), Morris water maze test (MWM), tail suspension test (TST), and novelty suppressed feeding test (NSF). Western blot and real-time PCR were then used to detect the relative expression of ERK, CREB, p-ERK, and p-CREB. Integrated optical density (IOD) tests of p-ERK and p-CREB were then evaluated via immunofluorescence. The behavior results showed that the cognitive dysfunctions increased in the CUMS group versus the control (CON) group (p < 0.01). There were decreases in fluoxetine (FLU) and BA groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The protein ratios of p-ERK/ERK, p-CREB/CREB and ERK mRNA, and CREB mRNA expression decreased in the CUMS group (p < 0.01) and markedly increased in the FLU and BA groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The IOD value of the p-ERK and p-CREB in the CUMS group was decreased versus the CON group (p < 0.01), and these changes were improved via BA and FLU treatment (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). This study indicated that BA can improve cognitive functions and has antidepressant effects in mice, which may be associated with activation of the BDNF/ERK/CREB signaling pathway in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixia Jia
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jiali Yang
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhuoqing Cao
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
| | - Jinhu Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
| | - Ye Lu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
| | - Li Chu
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shaodan Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
| | - Yuan Chen
- The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
| | - Lin Pei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China.
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