Xiaoyao Pills Attenuate Inflammation and Nerve Injury Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Hippocampal Neurons In Vitro

Transcriptome analysis revealed potential mechanisms of channel catfish growth advantage over blue catfish in a tank culture environment

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) are two economically important freshwater aquaculture species in the United States, with channel catfish contributing to nearly half of the country's aquaculture production. While differences in economic traits such as growth rate and disease resistance have been noted, the extent of transcriptomic variance across various tissues between these species remains largely unexplored. The hybridization of female channel catfish with male blue catfish has led to the development of superior hybrid catfish breeds that exhibit enhanced growth rates and improved disease resistance, which dominate more than half of the total US catfish production. While hybrid catfish have significant growth advantages in earthen ponds, channel catfish were reported to grow faster in tank culture environments. In this study, we confirmed channel fish's superiority in growth over blue catfish in 60-L tanks at 10.8 months of age (30.3 g and 11.6 g in this study, respectively; p < 0.001). In addition, we conducted RNA sequencing experiments and established transcriptomic resources for the heart, liver, intestine, mucus, and muscle of both species. The number of expressed genes varied across tissues, ranging from 5,036 in the muscle to over 20,000 in the mucus. Gene Ontology analysis has revealed the functional specificity of differentially expressed genes within their respective tissues, with significant pathway enrichment in metabolic pathways, immune activity, and stress responses. Noteworthy tissue-specific marker genes, including lrrc10, fabp2, myog, pth1a, hspa9, cyp21a2, agt, and ngtb, have been identified. This transcriptome resource is poised to support future investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying environment-dependent heterosis and advance genetic breeding efforts of hybrid catfish.

The effect of Banxia-houpo decoction on CUMS-induced depression by promoting M2 microglia polarization via TrkA/Akt signalling

It has been reported that Banxia-houpo decoction (BXHPD) serves as the anti-depressant treatment for a mild and severe depressive disease with limited side effects. The present study was performed to evaluate the protective effect of BXHPD on chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression and explore its effect on TrkA/Akt-mediated microglia polarization. The CUMS procedure was carried out, and the mice were intragastrically treated with BXHPD once daily. The selective TrkA inhibitor GW441756 was applied to further investigate the role of TrkA in BXHPD-mediated microglia polarization. The behaviour test including open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) was performed. The concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12 and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10 were determined using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The population of Iba1+ cells and the length of microglia processes were observed under the fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expressions of Arg1, Ym1 and Fizzl1 were measured by PCR. The protein expressions of TrkA, p-Tyr490-TrkA, p-Ser473-Akt, p-Ser473-Akt1, p-Ser474-Akt2, p-CREB and Jmjd3 were detected by western blot. Our results showed that BXHPD attenuated CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviour, promoted anti-inflammatory cytokines, inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppressed microglia activation, promoted M2 phenotype-specific indices and upregulated the expressions of TrkA, p-Tyr490-TrkA, p-Ser473-Akt, p-Ser473-Akt1, p-Ser474-Akt2, p-CREB and Jmjd3. The above beneficial effect of BXHPD can be blocked by TrkA inhibitor GW441756. This work demonstrated that BXHPD exerted an anti-depressant effect by promoting M2 phenotype microglia polarization via TrkA/Akt pathway.

Gut microbiota: A new target for traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of depression

ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The causes of depression are complex. Many factors are involved in its pathogenesis, including the individual's biological and social environment. Although numerous studies have reported that the gut microbiota plays a significant role in depression, drugs that regulate the gut microbiota to treat depression have not yet been comprehensively reviewed. At the same time, more and more attention has been paid to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in improving depression by regulating gut microbiota. In ancient times, fecal microbiota transplantation was recorded in TCM for the treatment of severe diseases. There are also records in Chinese ancient books about the use of TCM to adjust gut microbiota to treat diseases, which has opened up a unique research field in TCM. Therefore, this article focuses on the pharmacological effects, targets, and mechanisms of TCM in improving depression by mediating the influence of gut microbiota.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

To summarize the role the gut microbiota plays in depression, highlight potential regulatory targets, and elucidate the anti-depression mechanisms of TCMs through regulation of the gut microbiota.

METHODS

A systematic review of 256 clinical trials and pharmaceutical studies published until June 2022 was conducted in eight electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, Research Gate, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Scopus, and China Knowledge Infrastructure), according to the implemented PRISMA criteria, using the search terms "traditional Chinese medicine," "depression," and "gut microbiota."

RESULTS

Numerous studies reported the effects of different gut bacteria on depression and that antidepressants work through the gut microbiota. TCM preparations based on compound Chinese medicine, the Chinese Materia Medica, and major bioactive components exerted antidepressant-like effects by improving levels of neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, kynurenine, and cytokines via regulation of the gut microbiota.

CONCLUSION

This review summarized the anti-depression effects of TCM on the gut microbiota, providing evidence that TCMs are safe and effective in the treatment of depression and may provide a new therapeutic approach.

What can traditional Chinese medicine do for adult neurogenesis?

Adult neurogenesis plays a crucial role in cognitive function and mood regulation, while aberrant adult neurogenesis contributes to various neurological and psychiatric diseases. With a better understanding of the significance of adult neurogenesis, the demand for improving adult neurogenesis is increasing. More and more research has shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including TCM prescriptions (TCMPs), Chinese herbal medicine, and bioactive components, has unique advantages in treating neurological and psychiatric diseases by regulating adult neurogenesis at various stages, including proliferation, differentiation, and maturation. In this review, we summarize the progress of TCM in improving adult neurogenesis and the key possible mechanisms by which TCM may benefit it. Finally, we suggest the possible strategies of TCM to improve adult neurogenesis in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Growth-Promoting Effects of Zhenqi Granules on Finishing Pigs

Developing nonantibiotic livestock growth promoters attracts intensive interest in the post-antibiotic era. In this study, we investigated the growth-promoting efficacy of Zhenqi granules (ZQ) in pigs and further explored the possible mechanisms by transcriptomics analysis. Weaned piglets (52 days old with an average body weight of 17.92 kg) were fed with diets supplemented with different doses of ZQ (0 g/kg, 1 g/kg, and 2 g/kg) for 30 days and continued observations for an additional 32 days after removing ZQ from the diets. Compared with the control group, the average daily gain, carcass weight, average back fat thickness, and fat meat percentage of the group supplemented with 1 g/kg of ZQ showed a significant increase, and the feed/gain ratio was lower. The group supplemented with 2 g/kg of ZQ also showed a significant increase in average daily gain and average backfat thickness. A transcriptomics analysis revealed that the supplementation of ZQ at 1 g/kg upregulated the expression of genes related to collagen biosynthesis and lipid biosynthesis in skeletal muscle and liver. This effect was primarily through upregulating the mRNA levels of structural proteins and lipid-related enzymes. This study demonstrates the growth-promoting efficacy of ZQ and provides some insights of the mechanism of growth promotion.

Efficacy, safety and mechanism of Honghua Xiaoyao Pill in the treatment of peri-menopausal syndrome: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Peri-menopausal syndrome (PMPS) has a high incidence rate and seriously affects the physical and mental health of women. Honghua Xiaoyao Pill (HHXYP) is a Chinese patent medicine, which has been reported to be used to treat PMPS. However, there is still a lack of randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HHXYP on life quality, mood and vasomotor symptoms for PMPS women. This study aims to investigate whether HHXYP is effective and safe in treating PMPS and the possible mechanism. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial will be conducted in China to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HHXYP. Sixty women with peri-menopausal syndrome will be recruited at three centers and randomly in a 1:1 ratio to a treatment group using HHXYP (HHXYP group) and a control group using oryzanol (OC group). Participants will be treated with HHXYP or oryzanol for 12 weeks and followed up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the modified Kupperman Index (KI), which will be measured at baseline and 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks after randomization. The secondary outcomes include Hot flash scale (HFs), Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale (MENQOL) and Hamilton Depression/Anxiety Scale (HAMD/HAMA). The HFs are measured at the same point as the KI, other secondary outcomes are measured at baseline and 12, 16 weeks after randomization. The other outcomes are the levels of serum sex hormone, monoamine neurotransmitter, vascular vasomotor factor and the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-active enzyme (PI3K)/protein activator enzyme B (Akt), which will be measured at baseline and 12 weeks after randomization. Adverse events will also be reported. Discussion: HHXYP is a potential alternative Chinese patent medicine for PMPS. This trial will provide evidence for HHXYP on improving the quality of life, mood and vasomotor symptoms, and sex hormone levels of PMPS patients.

Experimental and clinical trial investigations of phyto-extracts, phyto-chemicals and phyto-formulations against oral lichen planus: A systematic review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bio-assay guided phytoextracts and derived phytoconstituents reported having multipotent biological activities and nearly 60-80% of the global population still using natural regimens as an alternative therapeutic source. This study focused on the ethnopharmacological and experimental evidence of natural remedies that are effective in treating oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic T-cell mediated autoimmune disease that is associated with oral cancer transmission.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

A number of studies have shown that antioxidants and antiinflammatory phytoextracts and phyto-constituents are effective against OLP. In this systematic review, we summarize the details of experimentally assessed ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Indian Ayurveda or Ayurvedic Medicine, and Japanese Kampo Medicine (JKM) regimens (crude extracts, individual phytochemicals, and phyto-formulations) that reduce oral lesion, severity index and pain associated with OLP based on studies conducted in vivo, in vitro, and in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental, clinical and RCT investigation reports were gathered and presented according to PRISMA-2020 format. Briefly, the information was obtained from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley journal library, Scopus, Google Scholar with ClinicalTrials.gov (a clinical trial registry database operated by the National Library of Medicine in the United States). Further, individual phytochemical structures were verified from PubChem and ChemSpider databases and visualized by ChemDraw 18.0 software.

RESULTS

We summarized 11 crude phytoextracts, 7 individual phytochemicals, 9 crude formulations, 8 specific TCM and JKM herbal cocktails, and 6 RCTs/patents corroborated by multiple in vitro, in vivo and enzyme assay methods. Briefly, plants and their family name, used plant parts, reported phytochemicals and their chemical structure, treatment doses, and duration of each experiment were presented more concisely and scientifically.

CONCLUSION

Documentation of evidence-based natural ethnomedicines or remedies could be useful for promoting them as potential, cost-effective and less toxic alternatives or as complementary to commonly prescribed steroids towards the control of OLP.

Involvement of kynurenine pathway between inflammation and glutamate in the underlying etiopathology of CUMS-induced depression mouse model

Inflammation and glutamate (GLU) are widely thought to participate in the pathogenesis of depression, and current evidence suggests that the development of depression is associated with the activation of the kynurenine pathway (KP). However, the exact mechanism of KP among the inflammation, GLU and depression remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the involvement of KP, inflammation and GLU in depressive phenotype induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in C57B/6 J mice. Our results showed that CUMS caused depressive like-behavior in the sucrose preference test, tail suspension test and forced swimming test. From a molecular perspective, CUMS upregulated the peripheral and central inflammatory response and activated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the rate-limiting enzyme of KP, which converts tryptophan (TRP) into kynurenine (KYN). KYN is a precursor for QA in microglia, which could activate the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), increasing the GLU release, mirrored by increased IDO activity, quinolinic acid and GLU levels in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and serum. However, intervention with IDO inhibitor 1-methyl-DL-tryptophan (50 mg/kg/s.c.) and 1-methyl-L-tryptophan (15 mg/kg/i.p.) reversed the depressive-like behaviors and adjusted central and peripheral KP’s metabolisms levels as well as GLU content, but the inflammation levels were not completely affected. These results provide certain evidence that KP may be a vital pathway mediated by IDO linking inflammation and glutamate, contributing to depression.

Construction of a decellularized spinal cord matrix/GelMA composite scaffold and its effects on neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to severe loss of motor and sensory functions, and the rehabilitation of SCI is a worldwide problem. Tissue-engineered scaffolds offer new hope for SCI patients, while the newly developed materials encountered a challenge in modeling the microenvironment around the lesion site. We constructed a new composite scaffold by mixing decellularized spinal cord extracellular matrix (dECM) with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). The dECM, as a natural biological material, retained a large number of proteins and growth factors related to neurogenesis. GelMA was a photopolymerizable material, harbored a polymer network structure, soft texture, certain shape and plenty of water. The viability, proliferation, and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) on the composite scaffold were evaluated by cell count kit-8 (CCK8), Live/Dead assay, phalloidin staining, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyurdine (EdU), immunofluorescence staining and western blot. The Live/Dead assay, phalloidin staining, EdU, and CCK8 assay showed that the composite scaffold had good biocompatibility and provided better support for proliferation of NSCs. Results of immunocytochemistry and western blot showed that the composite scaffolds promoted the specific differentiation of NSCs into neuron cells. Together, this dECM/GelMA composite scaffold can be used as a cell culture coating, the isolated NSCs seeded on the surface of composite scaffold expressed neuronal markers and assumed neuronal morphology. Our work provided a new method that would be widely used in tissue engineering of SCI.

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

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

Increased Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Hippocampus in Rats With Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy

Background

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) has been identified as a frequent complication of sepsis, featured by an aberrant level of cognitive and affective functions. The present study is designed to explore the changes in functional connectivity (FC) of the hippocampus in rats with SAE utilizing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the SAE and control groups. We acquired rs-fMRI data using a 7T MRI to evaluate hippocampal network functional differences between the two groups with a seed-based approach. Behavioral performance was assessed using the open field test and forced swimming test. Statistical analysis was undertaken to evaluate the correlation between the hippocampal FC and behavioral findings.

Results

Compared with the control group, the SAE group showed increased FC between the bilateral hippocampus and thalamus, septum, bed nuclei stria terminalis (BNST), left primary forelimb somatosensory cortex (S1FL), primary motor cortex (M1), and inferior colliculus. Increased FC between the left hippocampus and thalamus, septum, BNST, left S1FL, and inferior colliculus was observed. While with the right hippocampus, FC in thalamus, septum, left S1FL and inferior colliculus was enhanced. Additionally, positive correlations were found between the hippocampal FC and the immobility time in the forced swimming test.

Conclusion

Hippocampus-related brain networks have significant alterations in rats with SAE, and the elevated hippocampal resting-state FC was positively related to affective deficits. Changes in FC between the hippocampus and other brain regions could be a potential neuroimaging biomarker of cognitive or mental disorders triggered by SAE.

Natural Products for the Treatment of Post-stroke Depression

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most frequent and important neuropsychiatric consequence of stroke. It is strongly associated with exacerbated deterioration of functional recovery, physical and cognitive recoveries, and quality of life. However, its mechanism is remarkably complicated, including the neurotransmitters hypothesis (which consists of a monoaminergic hypothesis and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity hypothesis), inflammation hypothesis, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and neurotrophic hypothesis and neuroplasticity. So far, the underlying pathogenesis of PSD has not been clearly defined yet. At present, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been used as the first-line drugs to treat patients with PSD. Additionally, more than SSRIs, a majority of the current antidepressants complied with multiple side effects, which limits their clinical application. Currently, a wide variety of studies revealed the therapeutic potential of natural products in the management of several diseases, especially PSD, with minor side effects. Accordingly, in our present review, we aim to summarize the therapeutic targets of these compounds and their potential role in-clinic therapy for patients with PSD.

Protective Effect of NGR1 against Glutamate-Induced Cytotoxicity in HT22 Hippocampal Neuronal Cells by Upregulating the SIRT1/Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is an active compound isolated from Panax notoginseng. Despite the NGR1 having been used as a traditional medicine, little is known about the neuroprotective effects. In this study, we investigate the protective effects of NGR1 against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in HT22 cells and its possible molecular mechanism. We assessed the toxicity of NGR1 and the protective activity by MTT assay. The levels of oxidative stress indices superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured by the kits. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca²⁺ concentration were measured by flow cytometry. Furthermore, we determined the expression of mitochondrial dysfunction related protein PINK1, Parkin, silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (sirtuin 1; SIRT1), and Wnt/β-catenin by Western blotting. Here, we discovered that glutamate treatment led to cell viability loss, apoptosis facilitation, Ca²⁺ upregulation, MMP fluorescence intensity downregulation, and ROS generation of HT22 cells. In parallel, expression of Parkin was declined by glutamate. While, NGR1 treatment alleviated all the above phenomena. We further clarified that NGR1 alleviated glutamate-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction by upregulating SIRT1 to activate Wnt/β-catenin pathways. These findings demonstrate that NGR1 alleviated glutamate-induced cell damage, and NGR1 may play a protective role in neurological complications.

Xiaoyao Pill improves the Affective Dysregulation of Sleep-deprived Female Mice by inhibiting Brain Injury and regulating the Content of Monoamine Neurotransmitter

BACKGROUND

Sleep curtailment is a serious problem in many societies. Clinical evidence has shown that sleep deprivation is associated with mood dysregulation, formation of false memory, cardio-metabolic risk factors and outcomes, inflammatory disease risk, and all-cause mortality. The affective disorder dysregulation caused by insufficient sleep has become an increasingly serious health problem. However, to date, not much attention has been paid to the mild affective dysregulation caused by insufficient sleep, and there is no clear and standard therapeutic method to treat it. The Xiaoyao Pill is a classic Chinese medicinal formula, with the effect of dispersing stagnated hepatoqi, invigorating the spleen, and nourishing the blood. Therefore, it is most commonly used to treat gynecological diseases in China. In the present study, the effects of the Xiaoyao Pill on affective dysregulation of sleep-deprived mice and its underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated.

METHODS

Forty adult female mice were used in the present study. The sleep deprivation model was established by improving the multi-platform water environment method. After 7 consecutive days of sleep deprivation, the mice were administrated low (LXYP, 0.32mg/kg) and high (HXYP, 0.64 mg/kg) doses of the Xiaoyao Pill for two weeks. Then, the body weight, behavioral deficits, and histopathology were evaluated. Meanwhile, the expression of c-fos protein and the concentrations of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were determined after two weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

Xiaoyao Pill treatment significantly increased body weight and sucrose consumption and decreased the irritability scores of the sleep-deprived mice. Meanwhile, Xiaoyao Pill treatment prevented brain injury and inhibited the expression of c-fos protein in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In addition, HXYP treatment significantly upregulated the levels of NE in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (p < 0.01). LXYP treatment significantly up-regulated the levels of 5-HT in the prefrontal cortex. Meanwhile, both HXYP and LXYP treatment significantly up-regulated the levels of DA in the prefrontal cortex (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) of sleep-deprived mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that Xiaoyao Pill treatment prevented the behavioral deficits of mice induced by sleep deprivation by promoting the recovery of brain tissue injury and up-regulating the levels of NE, 5-HT, and DA in the brain tissue.

Hyperoside Attenuate Inflammation in HT22 Cells via Upregulating SIRT1 to Activities Wnt/β-Catenin and Sonic Hedgehog Pathways

Neuroinflammation plays important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of altered neurodevelopment, sensorineural hearing loss, and certain neurodegenerative diseases. Hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside) is an active compound isolated from Hypericum plants. In this study, we investigate the protective effect of hyperoside on neuroinflammation and its possible molecular mechanism. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hyperoside were used to treat HT22 cells. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The cell apoptosis rate was measured by flow cytometry assay. The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The levels of oxidative stress indices superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by the kits. The expression of neurotrophic factor and the relationship among hyperoside, silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1) and Wnt/β-catenin, and sonic hedgehog was examined by western blotting. In the LPS-induced HT22 cells, hyperoside promotes cell survival; alleviates the level of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, ROS, MDA, Bax, and caspase-3; and increases the expression of CAT, SOD, GSH, Bcl-2, BDNF, TrkB, and NGF. In addition, hyperoside upregulated the expression of SIRT1. Further mechanistic investigation showed that hyperoside alleviated LPS-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis by upregulating SIRT1 to activate Wnt/β-catenin and sonic hedgehog pathways. Taken together, our data suggested that hyperoside acts as a protector in neuroinflammation.

Mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate Alzheimer's disease in rat models via the microRNA-29c-3p/BACE1 axis and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Currently, Alzheimer's disease (AD) cannot be treated effectively. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) (MSC-EVs) exhibit therapeutic effects on many diseases. This study investigated the mechanism of bone marrow MSC-EVs (BM-MSC-EVs) in a rat model of AD. The cognitive function, amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, Aβ deposition areas and levels of Aβ1-42, Aβ decomposition-related factors (NEP and IDE), and inflammatory cytokines in BM-MSC-EVs-treated AD rats were measured. The effect of BM-MSC-EVs was studied in AD neuron model. microRNA (miR)-29c-3p and BACE1 expression, as well as levels of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related factors in AD and EVs-treated AD models were detected. miR-29c-3p relationship with BACE1 was predicted and confirmed. miR-29c-3p and BACE1 were interfered to verify the mechanism of EVs in AD. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor DKK1 was further added to EVs-treated AD neurons. BM-MSC-EVs showed therapeutic effects on AD rats and neurons. BM-MSC-EVs carried miR-29c-3p into AD neurons. miR-29c-3p targeted BACE1. Silencing miR-29c-3p in BM-MSCs reduced BM-MSC-EV therapeutic effect on AD, which was reversed after BACE1 knockdown. miR-29c-3p targeted BACE1 and activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibition impaired EV therapeutic effects on AD. We highlighted that BM-MSC-EVs delivered miR-29c-3p to neurons to inhibit BACE1 expression and activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby playing a therapeutic role in AD. This study may provide a novel perspective for elucidating the mechanism of MSCs in the treatment of AD.

Xiaoyao Pills Ameliorate Depression-like Behaviors and Oxidative Stress Induced by Olfactory Bulbectomy in Rats via the Activation of the PIK3CA-AKT1-NFE2L2/BDNF Signaling Pathway

Numerous studies have revealed that oxidative stress is closely associated with the occurrence and development of depression. Xiaoyao Pills (XYW) are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and are frequently used for treating anxiety and depression by smoothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing the blood. However, the antidepressant effects of XYW have not yet been thoroughly investigated. The objective of our study was to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of XYW and the underlying molecular mechanism in the olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rat model of depression using the open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), splash test (ST), and novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT). Results showed that XYW (0.93 and 1.86 g·kg⁻¹) significantly alleviated depression-like behaviors in rats, which was indicated by increased sucrose preference in the SPT, prolonged grooming time in the ST, decreased horizontal movement in the OFT, and shorter feeding latency in the NSFT. In addition, XYW treatment dramatically reversed the reduced activity of superoxide dismutase and the decreased level of glutathione, while also lowering levels of malondialdehyde, an inflammatory mediator (nitric oxide), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and 1β) in the serum and cortex of OB rats. Mechanistically, XYW induced marked upregulation of mRNA and protein expression levels of NFE2L2, KEAP1, GPX3, HMOX1, SOD1, NQO1, OGG1, PIK3CA, p-AKT1/AKT1, NTRK2, and BDNF, and downregulation of ROS in the cortex and hippocampus via the activation of the NFE2L2/KEAP1, PIK3CA/AKT1, and NTRK2/BDNF pathways. These findings suggest that XYW exert antidepressant-like effects in OB rats with depression-like symptoms, and these effects are mediated by the alleviation of oxidative stress and the enhancement of neuroprotective effects through the activation of the PIK3CA-AKT1-NFE2L2/BDNF signaling pathways.