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Akotkar L, Aswar U, Ganeshpurkar A, Rathod K, Bagad P, Gurav S. Phytoconstituents Targeting the Serotonin 5-HT 3 Receptor: Promising Therapeutic Strategies for Neurological Disorders. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1694-1710. [PMID: 38898946 PMCID: PMC11184608 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor (5-HT3R), a subtype of serotonin receptor, is a ligand-gated ion channel crucial in mediating fast synaptic transmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This receptor significantly influences various neurological activities, encompassing neurotransmission, mood regulation, and cognitive processing; hence, it may serve as an innovative target for neurological disorders. Multiple studies have revealed promising results regarding the beneficial effects of these phytoconstituents and extracts on conditions such as nausea, vomiting, neuropathic pain depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, cognition, epilepsy, sleep, and dyskinesia via modulation of 5-HT3R in the pathophysiology of neurological disorder. The review delves into a detailed exploration of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies and clinical studies that discussed phytoconstituents acting on 5-HT3R and attenuates difficulties in neurological diseases. The diverse mechanisms by which plant-derived phytoconstituents influence 5-HT3R activity offer exciting avenues for developing innovative therapeutic interventions. Besides producing an agonistic or antagonistic effect, some phytoconstituents exert modulatory effects on 5-HT3R activity through multifaceted mechanisms. These include γ-aminobutyric acid and cholinergic neuronal pathways, interactions with neurokinin (NK)-1, NK2, serotonergic, and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)ergic systems, dopaminergic influences, and mediation of calcium ions release and inflammatory cascades. Notably, the phytoconstituent's capacity to reduce oxidative stress has also emerged as a significant factor contributing to their modulatory role. Despite the promising implications, there is currently a dearth of exploration needed to understand the effect of phytochemicals on the 5-HT3R. Comprehensive preclinical and clinical research is of the utmost importance to broaden our knowledge of the potential therapeutic benefits associated with these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likhit Akotkar
- Department
of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy,
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune 411038, India
| | - Urmila Aswar
- Department
of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy,
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune 411038, India
| | - Ankit Ganeshpurkar
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poona College
of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune411038, India
| | - Kundlik Rathod
- Department
of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy,
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune 411038, India
| | - Pradnya Bagad
- Department
of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy,
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune 411038, India
| | - Shailendra Gurav
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, Goa College of Pharmacy, Goa University, Goa 403001, India
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Li S, Yang C, Wu Z, Chen Y, He X, Liu R, Ma W, Deng S, Li J, Liu Q, Wang Y, Zhang W. Suppressive effects of bilobalide on depression-like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in mice. Food Funct 2023; 14:8409-8419. [PMID: 37615035 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo02681g] [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: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Background: Depression is a psychiatric disorder with depressed mood and even suicide attempts as the main clinical symptoms, and its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of depression. Purpose: The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and reveal the potential mechanisms of bilobalide (BB) intervention in alleviating depression-like behaviors by using chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice via mediating the BDNF pathway. Methods: Behavioral assessments were carried out by using the sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swimming test (FST). CUMS mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: CUMS + solvent, CUMS + BB low, CUMS + BB medium, CUMS + BB high and CUMS + fluoxetine. Total serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Expression of TNF-α, IL-6, AKT, GSK3β, β-catenin, Trk-B and BDNF in the mouse hippocampus was assessed by western blotting. Results: BB treatment reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and increased the protein expression of BDNF in the hippocampus region of the CUMS mice. Moreover, BB treatment enhanced the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway which is downstream of the BDNF receptor Trk-B in the hippocampus of these mice. Conclusions: Overall, the experimental results indicated that BB reverses CUMS-induced depression-like behavior. BB exerts antidepressant-like effects by inhibiting neuroinflammation and enhancing the function of neurotrophic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Li
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Chengying Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Zeyu Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Yuanli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Wanru Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Shaohuan Deng
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Jianwen Li
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Yunchun Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230001, China.
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Guo SY, Guan RX, Chi XD, Yue-Zhang, Sui AR, Zhao W, Kundu S, Yang JY, Zhao J, Li S. Scorpion venom heat-resistant synthetic peptide protects dopamine neurons against 6-hydroxydopamine neurotoxicity in C. elegans. Brain Res Bull 2022; 190:195-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hormesis and Ginkgo biloba (GB): Numerous biological effects of GB are mediated via hormesis. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 64:101019. [PMID: 31931153 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ginkgo biloba (GB) extracts have been shown to commonly induce biphasic dose responses in a range of cell types and endpoints (e.g., cochlea neural stem cells, cell viability, cell proliferation). The magnitude and width of the low dose stimulation of these biphasic dose responses are similar to those reported for hormetic dose responses. These hormetic dose responses occur within direct stimulatory responses as well as in preconditioning experimental protocols, displaying acquired resistance within an adaptive homeodynamic and temporal framework and repeated measurement protocols. The demonstrated GB dose responses further reflect the general occurrence of hormetic dose responses that consistently appear to be independent of the biological model, endpoint, inducing agent, and/or mechanism. These findings have important implications for consideration(s) of study designs involving dose selection, dose spacing, sample size, and statistical power. This illustrates and strengthens the need to characterize the low dose stimulatory response range and optimal dose in order to explore potential public health and clinical applications of plant-derived agents, such as GB.
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Malaiwong N, Chalorak P, Jattujan P, Manohong P, Niamnont N, Suphamungmee W, Sobhon P, Meemon K. Anti-Parkinson activity of bioactive substances extracted from Holothuria leucospilota. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 109:1967-1977. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Wang JW, Liang FY, Ouyang XS, Li PB, Pei Z, Su WW. Evaluation of neuroactive effects of ethanol extract of Schisandra chinensis, Schisandrin, and Schisandrin B and determination of underlying mechanisms by zebrafish behavioral profiling. Chin J Nat Med 2019; 16:916-925. [PMID: 30595216 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(18)30133-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Schisandra chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used to treat sleep disorders. Zebrafish sleep/wake behavioral profiling provides a high-throughput platform to screen chemicals, but has never been used to study extracts and components from TCM. In the present study, the ethanol extract of Schisandra chinensis and its two main lignin components, schisandrin and schisandrin B, were studied in zebrafish. We found that the ethanol extract had bidirectional improvement in rest and activity in zebrafish. Schisandrin and schisandrin B were both sedative and active components. We predicted that schisandrin was related to serotonin pathway and the enthanol extract of Schisandra chinensis was related to seoronin and domapine pathways using a database of zebrafish behaviors. These predictions were confirmed in experiments using Caenorhabditis elegans. In conclusion, zebrafish behavior profiling could be used as a high-throughput platform to screen neuroactive effects and predict molecular pathways of extracts and components from TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Wang
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Quality and Efficacy Re-evaluation of Post-marketed TCM, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Feng-Yin Liang
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiang-Shuo Ouyang
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Quality and Efficacy Re-evaluation of Post-marketed TCM, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Pei-Bo Li
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Quality and Efficacy Re-evaluation of Post-marketed TCM, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zhong Pei
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Wei-Wei Su
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Quality and Efficacy Re-evaluation of Post-marketed TCM, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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Ahmad W, Ebert PR. 5-Methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA) suppresses Aβ-mediated pathology in C. elegans. Exp Gerontol 2018; 108:215-225. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Zhi D, Wang D, Yang W, Duan Z, Zhu S, Dong J, Wang N, Wang N, Fei D, Zhang Z, Wang X, Wang M, Li H. Dianxianning improved amyloid β-induced pathological characteristics partially through DAF-2/DAF-16 insulin like pathway in transgenic C. elegans. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11408. [PMID: 28900141 PMCID: PMC5595840 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Dianxianning (DXN) is a traditional Chinese formula, and has been approved in China for treating epilepsy since 1996. Here anti-Alzheimer's disease activity of DXN has been reported. DXN improved AD-like symptoms of paralysis and 5-HT sensitivity of transgenic Aβ1-42 C. elegans. In worms, DXN significantly increased Aβ monomers and decreased the toxic Aβ oligomers, thus reducing Aβ toxicity. DXN significantly suppressed the expression of hsp-16.2 induced by juglone, and up-regulated sod-3 expression. These results indicated that DXN increased stress resistance and protected C. elegans against oxidative stress. Furthermore, DXN could significantly promote DAF-16 nuclear translocation, but it did not activate SKN-1. The inhibitory effect of DXN on the Aβ toxicity was significantly reverted by daf-16 RNAi, rather than skn-1 RNAi or hsf-1 RNAi. These results indicated that DAF-16 is at least partially required for the anti-AD effect of DXN. In conclusion, DXN improved Aβ-induced pathological characteristics partially through DAF-2/DAF-16 insulin like pathway in transgenic worms. Together with our data obtained by Morris water maze test, the results showed that DXN markedly ameliorated cognitive performance impairment induced by scopolamine in mice. All the results support that DXN is a potential drug candidate to treat Alzheimer's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejuan Zhi
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dong Wang
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenqi Yang
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ziyun Duan
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shuqian Zhu
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Juan Dong
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Na Wang
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ningbo Wang
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dongqing Fei
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhanxin Zhang
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Meizhu Wang
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Gansu high throughput screening and creation center for health products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, P.R. China.
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Ahmad W, Ebert PR. Metformin Attenuates Aβ Pathology Mediated Through Levamisole Sensitive Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in a C. elegans Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:5427-5439. [PMID: 27596506 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0085-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). This suggests that drugs such as metformin that are used to treat T2DM may also be therapeutic toward AD and indicates an interaction between AD and energy metabolism. In this study, we have investigated the effects of metformin and another T2DM drug, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) in C. elegans expressing human Aβ42. We found that Aβ expressed in muscle inhibited levamisole sensitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and that metformin delayed Aβ-linked paralysis and improved acetylcholine neurotransmission in these animals. Metformin also moderated the effect of neuronal expression of Aβ: decreasing hypersensitivity to serotonin, restoring normal chemotaxis, and improving fecundity. Metformin was unable to overcome the small effect of neuronal Aβ on egg viability. The protective effects of metformin were associated with a decrease in the amount of toxic, oligomeric Aβ. AICAR has a similar protective effect against Aβ toxicity. This work supports the notion that anti-diabetes drugs and metabolic modulators may be effective against AD and that the worm model can be used to identify the specific interactions between Aβ and cellular proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Ahmad
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Paul R Ebert
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
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Mechanism of earthquake simulation as a prenatal stressor retarding rat offspring development and chinese medicine correcting the retardation: hormones and gene-expression alteration. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:670362. [PMID: 23304210 PMCID: PMC3523342 DOI: 10.1155/2012/670362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the mechanism of shaking as a prenatal stressor impacting the development of the offspring and Chinese medicines correcting the alterations. Pregnant rats were randomized into earthquake simulation group (ESG), herbal group (HG) which received herbal supplements in feed after shaking, and control group (CG). Findings revealed body weight and open field test (OFT) score of ESG offspring were statistically inferior to the CG and HG offspring. The corticosterone levels of ESG were higher than those of CG but not than HG. The dopamine level of ESG was slightly lower than that of the CG and of HG was higher than that of ESG. The 5-HT of ESG was higher than CG and HG. The growth hormone level of the ESG was significantly lower than ESG but not than CG. Gene expression profile showed 81 genes upregulated and 39 genes downregulated in ESG versus CG, and 60 genes upregulated and 28 genes downregulated in ESG versus HG. Eighty-four genes were found differentially expressed in ESG versus CG comparison and were normalized in ESG versus HG. We conclude that maternal shaking negatively affected physical and nervous system development, with specific alterations in neurohormones and gene expression. Chinese herbal medicine reduced these negative outcomes.
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Huang Y, Xu H, Li H, Yang H, Chen Y, Shi X. Pre-gestational stress reduces the ratio of 5-HIAA to 5-HT and the expression of 5-HT1A receptor and serotonin transporter in the brain of foetal rat. BMC Neurosci 2012; 13:22. [PMID: 22373128 PMCID: PMC3311061 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-13-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies have found that stress before or during pregnancy is linked to an increased incidence of behavioural disorders in offspring. However, few studies have investigated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and the serotonergic system as a consequence of pregestational stress. In the present study, we investigated the effect of pre-gestational stress on HPA axis activity in maternal rats and their foetuses and examined whether changes in HPA axis activity of maternal rats produced functional changes in the serotonergic system in the brain of foetuses. Results We used the behavioural tests to assess the model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in maternal rats. We found the activity in the open field and sucrose consumption was lower for rats with CUS than for the controls. Body weight but not brain weight was higher for control foetuses than those from the CUS group. Serum corticosterone and corticotrophin-releasing hormone levels were significantly higher for mothers with CUS before pregnancy and their foetuses than for the controls. Levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were higher in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of foetuses in the CUS group than in the controls, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels were lower in the hippocampus in foetuses in the CUS group than in the control group. Levels of 5-HIAA in the hypothalamus did not differ between foetuses in the CUS group and in the control group. The ratio of 5-HIAA to 5-HT was significantly lower for foetuses in the CUS group than in the control group. Levels of 5-HT1A receptor were significantly lower in the foetal hippocampus in the CUS group than in the control group, with no significant difference in the hypothalamus. The levels of serotonin transporter (SERT) were lower in both the foetal hippocampus and foetal hypothalamus in the CUS group than in the control group. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that pre-gestational stress alters HPA axis activity in maternal rats and their foetuses, which is associated with functional changes in 5-HT activity (5-HT, 5-HIAA and ratio of 5-HIAA to 5-HT), as well as the levels of the 5-HT1A receptor and SERT in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of foetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejun Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shantou University, North Dongxia Rd, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
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Yu YB, Dosanjh L, Lao L, Tan M, Shim BS, Luo Y. Cinnamomum cassia bark in two herbal formulas increases life span in Caenorhabditis elegans via insulin signaling and stress response pathways. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9339. [PMID: 20179756 PMCID: PMC2825258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Accepted: 01/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proving the efficacy and corresponding mode of action of herbal supplements is a difficult challenge for evidence-based herbal therapy. A major hurdle is the complexity of herbal preparations, many of which combine multiple herbs, particularly when the combination is assumed to be vitally important to the effectiveness of the herbal therapy. This issue may be addressed through the use of contemporary methodology and validated animal models. Methods and Principal Findings In this study, two commonly used traditional herbal formulas, Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (SQDB) and Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan (HLXL) were evaluated using a survival assay and oxidative stress biomarkers in a well-established C. elegans model of aging. HLXL is an eleven herb formula modified from a top-selling traditional herbal formula for the treatment of arthritic joint pain. SQDB consists of ten herbs often used for fatigue and energy, particularly in the aged. We demonstrate here that SQDB significantly extend life span in a C. elegans model of aging. Among all individual herbs tested, two herbs Cinnamomum cassia bark (Chinese pharmaceutical name: Cinnamomi Cortex, CIN) and Panax ginseng root (Chinese pharmaceutical name: Ginseng Radix, GS) significantly extended life span in C. elegans. CIN in both SQDB and HLXL formula extended life span via modulation of multiple longevity assurance genes, including genes involved in insulin signaling and stress response pathways. All the life-span-extending herbs (SQDB, CIN and GS) also attenuated levels of H2O2 and enhanced small heat shock protein expression. Furthermore, the life span-extending herbs significantly delayed human amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced toxicity in transgenic C. elegans expressing human Aβ. Conclusion/Significance These results validate an invertebrate model for rapid, systematic evaluation of commonly used Chinese herbal formulations and may provide insight for designing future evidence-based herbal therapy(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Beob Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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