Asparagus cochinchinensis extract ameliorates menopausal depression in ovariectomized rats under chronic unpredictable mild stress

Xuefu Zhuyu decoction promotes synaptic plasticity by targeting miR-191a-5p/BDNF-TrkB axis in severe traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZYD) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula known for its ability to eliminate blood stasis and improve blood circulation, providing neuroprotection against severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear.

PURPOSE

We aim to investigate the neuroprotective effects of XFZYD in sTBI from a novel mechanistic perspective of miRNA-mRNA. Additionally, we sought to elucidate a potential specific mechanism by integrating transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and conducting both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

METHODS

The sTBI rat model was established, and the rats were treated with XFZYD for 14 days. The neuroprotective effects of XFZYD were evaluated using a modified neurological severity score, hematoxylin and eosin staining, as well as Nissl staining. The anti-inflammatory effects of XFZYD were explored using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence. Next, miRNA sequencing of the hippocampus was performed to determine which miRNAs were differentially expressed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to validate the differentially expressed miRNAs. Target core mRNAs were determined using various methods, including miRNA prediction targets, mRNA sequencing, miRNA-mRNA network, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. The miRNA/mRNA regulatory axis were verified through qRT-PCR or Western blot analysis. Finally, morphological changes in the neural synapses were observed using transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

XFZYD exhibited significant neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects on subacute sTBI rats' hippocampus. The analyses of miRNA/mRNA sequences combined with the PPI network revealed that the therapeutic effects of XFZYD on sTBI were associated with the regulation of the rno-miR-191a-5p/BDNF axis. Subsequently, qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed XFZYD reversed the decrease of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus caused by sTBI. Additionally, XFZYD treatment potentially increased the number of synaptic connections, and the expression of the synapse-related protein PSD95, axon-related protein GAP43 and neuron-specific protein TUBB3.

CONCLUSIONS

XFZYD exerts neuroprotective effects by promoting hippocampal synaptic remodeling and improving cognition during the subacute phase of sTBI through downregulating of rno-miR-191a-5p/BDNF axis, further activating BDNF-TrkB signaling.

Phytotherapeutic approach for conquering menopausal syndrome and osteoporosis

Women face a significant change in their reproductive health as menopause sets in. It is marred with numerous physiological changes that negatively impact their quality of life. This universal, transition phase is associated with menopausal and postmenopausal syndrome, which may spread over 2-10 years. This creates a depletion of female hormones causing physical, mental, sexual and social problems and may, later on, manifest as postmenopausal osteoporosis leading to weak bones, causing fractures and ultimately morbidity and mortality. Menopausal hormone therapy generally encompasses the correction of hormone balance through various pharmacological agents, but the associated side effects often lead to cessation of therapy with poor clinical outcomes. However, it has been noticed that phytotherapeutics is trusted by women for the amelioration of symptoms related to menopause and for improving bone health. This could primarily be due to their reduced side effects and lesser costs. This review attempts to bring forth the suitability of phytotherapeutics/herbals for the management of menopausal, postmenopausal syndrome, and menopausal osteoporosis through several published research. It tries to enlist the available botanicals with their key constituents and mechanism of action for mitigating symptoms associated with menopause as well as osteoporosis. It also includes a list of a few herbal commercial products available for these complications. The article also intends to collate the findings of various clinical trials and patents available in this field and provide a window for newer research avenues in this highly important yet ignored health segment.

Oligosaccharides from Asparagus cochinchinensis for ameliorating LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice

Asparagi radix is an edible herb with medicinal properties and is now widely used in clinical applications for improving pulmonary inflammation. However, the lung-protective effect and the active constituents of Asparagi radix are yet to be elucidated. Herein, the potential pulmonary protective effect of the oligosaccharides of Asparagi radix was investigated. We firstly identified eighteen oligosaccharides with different degrees of polymerization from Asparagi radix using HPLC-QTOF MS. Oligosaccharides were analysed for 20 samples of Asparagi radix collected from various regions in China using HILIC-ELSD and were found to stably exist in this herb. In this study, we found that AROS significantly reduced NO production and effectively down-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells, thereby reducing the inflammatory response induced by LPS. AROS also inhibited LPS-stimulated intracellular ROS production. A murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury was used to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory and lung protective efficacies of AROS. AROS ameliorated the damage to the pulmonary cellular architecture pathological injury and lung edema. AROS significantly decreased the levels of cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β; the levels of MPO and MDA; and superoxide dismutase consumption in vivo. This effect of oligosaccharides can explain the traditional usage of Asparagus cochinchinensis as a tonic medicine for respiratory problems, and oligosaccharides from Asparagi radix used as a natural ingredient can play an important role in protecting lung injury.

Prenatal Di-methoxyethyl phthalate exposure impairs cortical neurogenesis and synaptic activity in the mice

Di-methoxyethyl phthalate (DMEP) is a well-known environmentally prevalent endocrine disruptor and may be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disability. However, the regulatory mechanisms leading to these neurodevelopmental disorders are still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that prenatal DMEP exposure causes abnormal brain morphology and function in the mice. DMEP (50 mg/kg) was chronically administered to pregnant mice orally once a day starting on embryonic day 0 (E0) to breast-feeding cessation for the fetus. We found that prenatal DMEP exposure significantly reduced the number of neurons in the parietal cortex by impairing neurogenesis and gliogenesis during the developing cortex. Moreover, we found that prenatal DMEP exposure impaired dendritic spine architectures and synaptic activity in the parietal cortex. Finally, prenatal DMEP exposure in mice induces hyperactivity and reduces anxiety behaviors. Altogether, our study demonstrates that prenatal DMEP exposure leads to abnormal behaviors via impairment of neurogenesis and synaptic activity.

Differential regulations of neural activity and survival in primary cortical neurons by PFOA or PFHpA

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), organofluoride compounds comprising carbon-fluorine and carbon-carbon bonds, are used as water and oil repellents in textiles and pharmaceutical tablets; however, they are associated with potential neurotoxic effects. Moreover, the impact of PFCs on neuronal survival, activity, and regulation within the brain remains unclear. Additionally, the mechanisms through which PFCs induce neuronal toxicity are not well-understood because of the paucity of data. This study elucidates that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) exert differential effects on the survival and activity of primary cortical neurons. Although PFOA triggers apoptosis in cortical neurons, PFHpA does not exhibit this effect. Instead, PFHpA modifies dendritic spine morphogenesis and synapse formation in primary cortical neuronal cultures, additionally enhancing neural activity and synaptic transmission. This research uncovers a novel mechanism through which PFCs (PFHpA and PFOA) cause distinct alterations in dendritic spine morphogenesis and synaptic activity, shedding light on the molecular basis for the atypical behaviors noted following PFC exposure. Understanding the distinct effects of PFHpA and PFOA could guide regulatory policies on PFC usage and inform clinical approaches to mitigate their neurotoxic effects, especially in vulnerable population.

Neuroprotective effects of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) polysaccharides on depression-like behavior in ovariectomized rats: behavioral and biochemical evidence

AIM

To assess the protective effects of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) polysaccharides (LBP) on depression-like behavior in ovariectomized rats and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects.

METHODS

One hundred female Wistar albino rats (three months old) were randomly assigned either to ovariectomy (n=50) or sham surgery (n=50). After a 14-day recovery period, the groups were divided into five treatment subgroups (10 per group): high-dose LBP (200 mg/kg), low-dose LBP (20 mg/kg), imipramine (IMP, 2.5 mg/kg), 17-beta estradiol (E2, 1 mg/kg), and distilled water. Then, rats underwent a forced swimming test. We also determined the levels of serum antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde), E2 levels, hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 5HT2A receptor, and transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells.

RESULTS

Both low-dose LBP and imipramine decreased depression-like behavior by increasing serum superoxide dismutase activity and by decreasing serum malondialdehyde level. Furthermore, low-dose LPB, high-dose LBP, and imipramine increased the number of 5-HT2A receptor- and BDNF-positive cells but decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show the antidepressant effect of LBP. Although additional research is needed, LBP may be considered a potential new antidepressant.

PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway regulates autophagy of hippocampal neurons in diabetic rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress

It is reported that the co-morbidities of diabetes and depression will be a new challenge for humanity. However, the underlying mechanism is not clear. The present study investigated the histopathology, autophagy of hippocampal neurons, and the PI3K-AKT- mTOR signaling pathway in type 2 diabetes with depression（T2DD） rats. The results showed that, the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and T2DD in rats were induced successfully. Compared with the CUMS and T2DM groups, the T2DD group performed significantly fewer autonomic activities in the open-field test, and longer immobile in the force swimming test, and increasing of Corticosterone (CORT) in blood. The number of pyknotic neurons at cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus in T2DD was significantly increased compared with CUMS and T2DM groups. Moreover, compared with the CUMS and T2DM groups, the mitochondrial autophagosomes were most abundant in the T2DD group. As shown in western blot and immunofluorescence, compared with the control group, in the CUMS, T2DM and T2DD groups, significantly increased expression of Beclin-1 and LC3B and decreased P62 were detected. In the PC12 cells, the relative amount of parkin and LC3B in the CORT+HG group was significantly higher than that in the CORT and HG groups. Compared with the control group, p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR in CUMS, T2DM and T2DD groups were significantly decreased. Compared with the CUMS group, p-AKT/AKT, p-PI3K/PI3K and p-mTOR/mTOR in the T2DD group exhibited further decrease. Similar results were obtained in PC12 cells in vitro. It is suggests that memory and cognitive impairment in rats with co-morbidities of diabetes and depression might be related with hippocampal neuronal damage and autophagy increase, which was involved in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.

Effect of a Standardized Extract of Asparagus officinalis Stem (ETAS®50) on Cognitive Function, Psychological Symptoms, and Behavior in Patients with Dementia: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Dementia is a disease of substantial national concern in a superaging society in Japan. Thus, the treatments targeting this disease are of high priority. However, pharmaceutical treatments are under development and invasive. Hence, many alternative treatments, which are less invasive, are tried, and some of them are supposed to work for dementia symptoms. ETAS®50 is one of these treatments. ETAS®50, a standardized extract of the Asparagus officinalis stem with heat shock protein-inducing activity, is a functional food. ETAS®50 has antistress, autonomic nerve regulation, and sleep quality improvement effects in humans and could contribute to relieving dementia symptoms. This double-blind crossover pilot trial aimed to examine the effects of ETAS®50. A total of 27 patients with mild-to-moderate dementia between October 2018 and February 2020 were included in the trial. ETAS®50 was consumed for 12 weeks and then a placebo for 12 weeks. A significant difference in the mean score of the severity of symptoms in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q-a) was observed between the ETAS®50 period (0.56 ± 1.72 points) and placebo period (-0.67 ± 2.34 points) (p=0.045). Between-group comparisons with respect to the items of NPI-Q-a also showed a significant decrease in symptoms in the ETAS®50 period compared with the placebo period (p=0.015 for agitation and p=0.045 for depression). In addition, we observed that scores for apathy tended to improve in the ETAS®50 period (p=0.058).

Adaptogenic property of Asparagus racemosus: Future trends and prospects

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multimodal neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative illness characterized by anhedonia, continued melancholy, dysfunctional circadian rhythm and many other behavioral infirmities. Depression is also associated with somatic ailments such as cardiometabolic diseases. The existing and upcoming hypotheses have succeeded in explaining the pathophysiology of depression. Only a few of the most validated theories, such as hyperactivity of the HPA axis, activated inflammatory-immune response, and monoaminergic and GABAergic deficit hypotheses, have been discussed in this review. So, an effective and safer alternative approach beyond symptomatic relief has been desired. Therefore, botanical products have steadily been probed to strengthen the modern medicinal system as a promising medicament. In this line, Asparagus racemosus Willd. belongs to Asparagaceace family is the well-documented adaptogen cited in the ancient texts namely, Ayurvedic, Greek, and Chinese medicine system. The whole plant possesses pleiotropic therapeutic activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, nootropic, antidepressant, etc., without showing any remarkable side effects. The literature review has also suggested that A. racemosus administration at varied levels alleviates depression by modulating the HPA axis, increasing BDNF levels, and monoaminergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. Alongside, spikes the level of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, GSH peroxidase, GSH, and catalase in distinct brain regions (i.e., hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus) and promote neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Thus, it could be a new generation antidepressant that provides relief from both behavioral and somatic illness. The review first describes the plant characteristics, then discusses the hypotheses associated with the pathogenesis of depression, and gives an insight into A. racemosus antidepressant properties and the underlying mechanism.

Baicalin attenuates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis through regulating SIRT1/PARP1 signaling pathway

Baicalin (BA), a flavonoid glycoside extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been reported to exert antidepressant effects. Emerging evidence indicates that neuronal apoptosis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of depression. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) is established as a key regulator of the cellular apoptosis. In the present study, we explored whether BA exerts antidepressant effects by regulating PARP1 signaling pathway and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. We found that administration of BA (30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg) alleviated chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive-like behaviors by increasing sucrose consumption in sucrose preference test (SPT), improving activity status in open field test (OFT) and reducing rest time in tail suspension test (TST). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining showed that BA ameliorated CUMS-induced neuronal damage in the hippocampus. Moreover, BA significantly upregulated anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, downregulated pro-apoptotic protein Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 after CUMS in hippocampal of mice. Intriguingly, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) results showed that the protein level of PARP1 was significantly increased in hippocampal tissue after CUMS, which was reversed by BA treatment. In primary hippocampal neurons (PHNs), BA abrogated the neuronal apoptosis caused by PARP1 overexpression. Meanwhile, BA significantly increased the protein level of SIRT1, SIRT1 inhibitor (EX-527) treatment reversed the effect of BA on reducing the protein level of PARP1 and neuronal apoptosis in CUMS-induced mice. Overall, our results indicated that BA attenuated the CUMS-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis through regulating the SIRT1/PARP1 signaling pathway.

Carnosic Acid Mitigates Depression-Like Behavior in Ovariectomized Mice via Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

The peri- and post-menopausal periods have been described as the "window of vulnerability" for the development of depressive symptoms that impair women activities and quality of life. The etiopathogenesis of these symptoms is multifactorial and may confer resistance to traditional antidepressants. Attention is now directed toward phytochemicals for their pleiotropic functions and safer profiles. This study investigated the possible perturbation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways as an underlying mechanism of post-ovariectomy depression and highlighted the potential benefits of carnosic acid (CA) on the associated behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological alterations. Female Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to be sham-operated or ovariectomized (OVX). After 3 weeks, OVX mice received either a vehicle, CA (20 mg/kg/day), or tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP-IX; a heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitor; 50 μmol/kg/day) for 3 weeks. Our findings revealed that OVX mice had depressive but not anxiety-like behavior. Suppressed Nrf2 and its downstream signaling, and augmented proinflammatory markers were observed in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. CA treatment alleviated depressive behavior, induced the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, thioredoxin-1, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and enhanced serotonin levels. CA also suppressed oxidative stress, reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS mRNA expression, and ameliorated OVX-induced histopathological changes. SnPP-IX aggravated post-OVX behavioral, neurobiochemical, and histological deteriorations, and reduced CA-protective effects. In conclusion, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling suppression and the associated proinflammatory state are key mechanisms in post-OVX depression. CA exerts multifaceted neuroprotection in OVX mice and represents a promising candidate for clinical evaluation as an antidepressant.

Asparagus cochinchinensis: A review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and applications

Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr. (A. cochinchinensis) is a traditional herbal medicine that is used to treat constipation, fever, pneumonia, stomachache, tracheitis, rhinitis, cataract, acne, urticaria. More than 90 compounds have been identified from different structural types in A. cochinchinensis, including steroidal saponins, C21-steroides, lignans, polysaccharides, amino acids, etc. These bioactive ingredients make A. cochinchinensis remarkable for its pharmacological effects on anti-asthma, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, improving Alzheimer’s disease, neuroprotection, gut health-promoting and so on. Moreover, A. cochinchinensis also plays an important role in food, health product, cosmetic, and other fields. This review focused on the research publications of A. cochinchinensis and aimed to summarize the advances in the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and applications which will provide reference for the further studies and applications of A. cochinchinensis.

Sirtuin 3 Plays a Critical Role in the Antidepressant- and Anxiolytic-like Effects of Kaempferol

An estimated 20% of women experience depression at some point during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as the main therapy for depression and other menopausal syndromes, comes with a few undesirable side effects and a potential increase in cancer and cardiovascular risk. Consequently, there is a dire need for the development of new therapies to treat menopausal depression. Oxidative stress combined with the decline in sex hormones might explain the occurrence of psychological symptoms characteristic of menopause. Therefore, antioxidants have been suggested as a promising therapy for aging-associated diseases, such as menopausal depression. As a flavonoid antioxidant, kaempferol might have a potential neuroprotective action. Hence, the study was conducted to assess the potential antidepressant action of kaempferol and clarify the underlying mechanism. The results show that kaempferol has potential beneficial effects on VCD-induced rodent model of menopausal depression and produces antioxidant effects as well as increases the deacetylation of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and the protein level of Sirtuin3 (Sirt3) in the hippocampus. On the contrary, Sirt3 depletion abrogated the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects as well as antioxidant effects of kaempferol. In conclusion, kaempferol might produce antidepressant effects via upregulating the expression of Sirt3, the major deacetylase in mitochondria, and subsequently activate the mitochondrial antioxidases. These findings shed some light on the use of kaempferol or vegetables and herbs that contain kaempferol as a complementary therapy for menopausal depression.

Neferine alleviates chronic stress-induced depression by regulating monoamine neurotransmitter secretion and gut microbiota structure

Neferine (Nef) might possess anti-depressive properties; however, its therapeutic effects are yet to be elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the anti-depressant property of Nef using a mouse model of chronic stress-induced depression. Fifteen depression-prone mice were randomly selected and divided into three groups, namely, the model, Nef, and fluoxetine (Flu) groups. We observed that in tail suspension and forced swimming tests, the Nef and Flu treatments significantly decreased the immobility time of the depressed mice, and increased their sucrose preference indices. Moreover, both Nef and Flu treatments induced significant increases in the levels of anti-depressant neurotransmitters, including dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE), and also reduced pathological damage to the hippocampus of the depressed mice. Incidentally, Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis demonstrated that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the intestinal microbiota of depressed mice was restored after Nef/Flu treatment. Moreover, colonic Lactobacillus abundance was positively correlated with the levels of DA, 5-HT, and NE in the hippocampus of the mice. In conclusion, Nef improved monoamine neurotransmitter secretion and modulated the intestinal flora structure, particularly the abundance of Lactobacillus. Hence, it showed considerable anti-depressant potential, and might be a prospective anti-depressant therapeutic agent.

Selection of the Male or Female Sex in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Animal Models of Depression

Depression is a serious public health problem and an important factor leading to disease-related disability. Influenced by many factors, such as psychological, hormonal, and genetic factors, the incidence rate of depression in females is approximately two times that in males. However, in preclinical neuroscience research, the selection of the animals' sex for use in depression models has been controversial. At present, in most preclinical studies, the animals generally chosen in depression models have been male rodents rather than female rodents. It remains doubtful whether the data obtained from male animals can be generalized to female animals. The performance of female animals in preclinical studies of depression has been inconclusive. Based on a review of a large number of original studies in the PubMed database, it was found that although male rodents are more commonly used in the study of depression, the use of female animals also shows good modeling of depression and has its advantages. The influence of the animals' sex in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model needs further research.

Adipose stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorates corticosterone-induced apoptosis in the cortical neurons via inhibition of ER stress

Background

Corticosterone (CORT) can induce neuronal damage in various brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, the region implicated in depression. However, the underlying mechanisms of these CORT-induced effects remain poorly understood. Recently, many studies have suggested that adipose stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (A-EVs) protect neurons in the brain.

Methods

To investigated neuroprotection effects of A-EVs in the CORT-induced cortical neurons, we cultured cortical neurons from E15 mice for 7 days, and the cultured cortical neurons were pretreated with different numbers (5 × 10⁵–10⁷ per mL) of A-EVs (A-EVs⁵, A-EVs⁶, A-EVs⁷) for 30 min followed by administration of 200 μM CORT for 24 h.

Results

Here, we show that A-EVs exert antiapoptotic effects by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in CORT-induced cortical neurons. We found that A-EVs prevented neuronal cell death induced by CORT in cultured cortical neurons. More importantly, we found that CORT exposure in cortical neurons resulted in increased levels of apoptosis-related proteins such as cleaved caspase-3. However, pretreatment with A-EVs rescued the levels of caspase-3. Intriguingly, CORT-induced apoptosis involved upstream activation of ER stress proteins such as GRP78, CHOP and ATF4. However, pretreatment with A-EVs inhibited ER stress-related protein expression.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that A-EVs exert antiapoptotic effects via inhibition of ER stress in CORT-induced cell death.

Butylparaben Induces the Neuronal Death Through the ER Stress-Mediated Apoptosis of Primary Cortical Neurons

Butylparaben is an organic compound that is used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics and can cause neurotoxicity. However, whether butylparaben induces neuronal death is unclear. In this study, we report that butylparaben exposure induced neuronal apoptosis mediated by ER stress in primary cortical neurons. We found that butylparaben significantly inhibited the viability of primary cortical neurons and led to lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from primary cortical neurons. Upon exposure to butylparaben, primary cortical neurons exhibited increased levels of apoptosis-related proteins such as Cleaved-caspase3 and Bax. Interestingly, butylparaben-induced activation of apoptosis involved the upstream activation of ER stress proteins such as GRP78, CHOP, and ATF4. However, pharmacological inhibition of ER stress prevented the butylparaben-induced induction of apoptosis. Taken together, our findings suggest that butylparaben exposure activates the ER stress-mediated apoptosis of primary cortical neurons, which is closely linked with neurodegeneration in the brain. Therefore, targeting ER stress may be considered a strategy for the treatment of butylparaben-induced neurodegeneration.

Neuro-nutraceutical potential of Asparagus racemosus: A review

Debilitating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions are associated with complex multifactorial pathophysiology. Their treatment strategies often only provide symptomatic relief, delaying disease progression without giving a complete cure. Potent and safer treatment alternatives beyond symptomatic relief are sought. Herbal supplements have surely been explored due to their multiple component nature to enhance the effect of western medications. One such well-documented nutraceutical in the ancient Greek, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine system known for its various medicinal benefits is Asparagus racemosus. Widely used for its lactogenic properties, A. racemosus is also cited in Ayurveda as a nervine tonic. A. racemosus based nutraceuticals have shown to possess adaptogenic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nootropic activity under preclinical and clinical settings without posing significant adverse effects. A. racemosus extracts restore the perturbed neurotransmitters and prevent oxidative neuronal damage. From the available neuropharmacological researches, the physiological actions of A. racemosus can ultimately be directed for either augmentation of cognitive ability or in the management of neurological conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. The studies focus on the multi-component extract, and the lack of standardization has been a major hurdle in preventing the allotment of reported neuropharmacological activity to one of the phytoconstituent. Herbal standardization of the plant extract based on a specific biomarker can help elucidate the intricate biomolecular pathway and neurocircuitries being involved. This, followed by rigorous standardized clinical trials, fixing dosages, and determining contraindications would facilitate the translation of A. racemosus to a FDA-approved neuromedicine for neurological disorders.

2-Phenylethylamine (PEA) Ameliorates Corticosterone-Induced Depression-Like Phenotype via the BDNF/TrkB/CREB Signaling Pathway

Depression is a serious medical illness that is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. Corticosterone (CORT) increases depression-like behavior, with some effects on anxiety-like behavior. 2-Phenethylamine (PEA) is a monoamine alkaloid that acts as a central nervous system stimulant in humans. Here, we show that PEA exerts antidepressant effects by modulating the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB)/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in CORT-induced depression. To investigate the potential effects of PEA on CORT-induced depression, we first treated CORT (50 μM)-induced hippocampal neurons with 100 μM PEA for 24 h. We found that treatment with CORT altered dendritic spine architecture; however, treatment with PEA rescued dendritic spine formation via regulation of BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling. Next, we used a mouse model of CORT-induced depression. Mice were treated with CORT (20 mg/kg) for 21 days, followed by assessments of a battery of depression-like behaviors. During the final four days of CORT exposure, the mice were treated with PEA (50 mg/kg). We found that CORT injection promoted depression-like behavior and significantly decreased BDNF and TrkB expression in the hippocampus. However, treatment with PEA significantly ameliorated the behavioral and biochemical changes induced by CORT. Our findings reveal that PEA exerts antidepressant effects by modulating the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in a mouse model of CORT-induced depression.