Enhanced antidepressant effects of BDNF-quercetin alginate nanogels for depression therapy

Brain region-specific roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in social stress-induced depressive-like behavior

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a key factor in stress adaptation and avoidance of a social stress behavioral response. Recent studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in stressed mice is brain region-specific, particularly involving the corticolimbic system, including the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. Determining how brain-derived neurotrophic factor participates in stress processing in different brain regions will deepen our understanding of social stress psychopathology. In this review, we discuss the expression and regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in stress-sensitive brain regions closely related to the pathophysiology of depression. We focused on associated molecular pathways and neural circuits, with special attention to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling pathway and the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens dopamine circuit. We determined that stress-induced alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are likely related to the nature, severity, and duration of stress, especially in the above-mentioned brain regions of the corticolimbic system. Therefore, BDNF might be a biological indicator regulating stress-related processes in various brain regions.

Brain-Targeted Black Phosphorus-Based Nanotherapeutic Platform for Enhanced Hypericin Delivery in Depression

Depression is a significant global health concern that remains inadequately treated due to the limited effectiveness of conventional drug therapies. One potential therapeutic agent, hypericin (HYP), is identified as an effective natural antidepressant. However, its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and limited ability to penetrate the brain parenchyma have hindered its clinical application. To address these shortcomings and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of HYP, it is loaded onto black phosphorus nanosheets (BP) modified with the neural cell-targeting peptide RVG29 to synthesize a nanoplatform named BP-RVG29@HYP (BRH). This platform served as a nanocarrier for HYP and integrated the advantages of BP with advanced delivery methods and precise targeting strategies. Under the influence of 808 nm near-infrared irradiation (NIR), BRH effectively traversed an in vitro BBB model. In vivo experiments validated these findings, demonstrating that treatment with BRH significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors and oxidative stress in mice. Importantly, BRH exhibited an excellent safety profile, causing minimal adverse effects, which highlighted its potential as a promising therapeutic agent. In brief, this novel nanocarrier holds great promise in the development of antidepressant drugs and can create new avenues for the treatment of depression.

RGD-modified ZIF-8 nanoparticles as a drug carrier for MR imaging and targeted drug delivery in myocardial infarction

Aim: A multifunctional nanoplatform has been developed to enhance the targeting capability and biosafety of drug/siRNA for better diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction (MI).Materials & methods: The nanoplatform's chemical properties, biodistribution, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities, therapeutic effects and biocompatibility were investigated.Results: The nanoplatform exhibited MI-targeting properties and pH-sensitivity, allowing for effective cardiac MRI and delivery of drugs to the infarcted myocardium. The GCD/Qt@ZIF-RGD demonstrated potential as a reliable MRI probe for MI diagnosis. Moreover, the GCD/si-SHP1/Qt@ZIF-RGD effectively suppressed SHP-1 expression, increased pro-angiogenesis gene expression and reduced cell apoptosis in HUVECs exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation.Conclusion: Our newly developed multifunctional drug delivery system shows promise as a nanoplatform for both the diagnosis and treatment of MI.

Nanophytomedicine: A promising practical approach in phytotherapy

The long and rich history of herbal therapeutic nutrients is fascinating. It is incredible to think about how ancient civilizations used plants and herbs to treat various ailments and diseases. One group of bioactive phytochemicals that has gained significant attention recently is dietary polyphenols. These compounds are commonly found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, drinks, legumes, and grains. Despite their incredible therapeutic properties, one challenge with polyphenols is their poor water solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This means that they are not easily absorbed by the body when consumed in essential diets. Because of structural complexity, polyphenols with high molecular weight cannot be absorbed in the small intestine and after arriving in the colon, they are metabolized by gut microbiota. However, researchers are constantly working on finding solutions to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of these compounds. This study aims to address this issue by applying nanotechnology approaches to overcome the challenges of the therapeutic application of dietary polyphenols. This combination of nanotechnology and phytochemicals could cause a completely new field called nanophytomedicine or herbal nanomedicine.

Exploration of the mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine for anxiety and depression in patients with diarrheal irritable bowel syndrome based on network pharmacology and meta-analysis

Background

The efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in managing irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) accompanied by anxiety and depression remains uncertain. Thus, a systematic review was carried out employing meta-analysis and network pharmacology to ascertain the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of CHM therapy.

Methods

By conducting a systematic review, including literature search, screening, and data extraction, we identified 25 randomized controlled trials to assess CHM's effectiveness in treating irritable bowel syndrome alongside anxiety and depression. Network pharmacology was utilized to scrutinize the metabolite utility of CHM in addressing this condition. Potential primary mechanisms were synthesized using information sourced from the PubMed database.

Results

Twenty-five studies, including 2055 patients, were analyzed, revealing significant treatment efficacy for IBS-D in the trial group compared to controls [OR = 4.01, 95% CI (2.99, 5.36), I2 = 0%] Additionally, treatment for depression [SMD = -1.08, 95% CI (-1.30, -0.86), p < 0.00001, I2 = 68%; SDS: SMD = -1.69, 95% CI (-2.48, -0.90), p < 0.0001, I2 = 96%] and anxiety [HAMA: SMD = -1.29, 95% CI (-1.68, -0.91), p < 0.00001, I2 = 89%; SAS: SMD = -1.75, 95% CI (-2.55, -0.95), p < 0.00001, I2 = 96%] significantly improved in the trial group. Furthermore, the trial group exhibited a significantly lower disease relapse rate [OR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.20, 0.44), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%]. CHM treatment consistently improved IBS severity (IBS-SSS) and symptom scores. Network pharmacology analysis identified key chemical metabolites in traditional Chinese medicine formulations, including Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Quercetin, Naringenin, Luteolin, Kaempferol, Nobiletin, Wogonin, Formononetin, and Isorhamnetin. Utilizing the STRING database and Cytoscape v3.9.0 software, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network revealed the top eight key targets: IL-6, TNF, PPARG, PTGS2, ESR1, NOS3, MAPK8, and AKT1, implicated in anti-inflammatory responses, antioxidant stress modulation, and neurotransmitter homeostasis maintenance.

Conclusion

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) offers a promising and safe treatment approach for patients dealing with Diarrheal Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D) accompanied by anxiety and depression; thus, indicating its potential for practical implementation. The most active metabolites of CHM could simultaneously act on the pathological targets of IBS-D, anxiety, and depression.The diverse scope of CHM's therapeutic role includes various aspects and objectives, underscoring its potential for broad utilization.

Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Juice Supplementation Improves Oxidative Stress and Aging Markers in Testis of Aged Rats

Spermatogenesis is a process that continues until the end of an individual's life, although with reduced activity with advancing age. Inflammation, oxidation, and apoptosis are events considered as predictors of pathogenesis and the development of age-related diseases observed in aged testes. The use of natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties has a beneficial effect on the inflammatory and oxidative status of the aged testis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation with antioxidant-rich black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) juice on several markers of oxidative stress and aging in rat testis. In total, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups: young controls aged 2 months, old controls aged 27 months, and 27-month-old rats supplemented with black chokeberry juice at a dose of 10 mL/kg for 3 months. A. melanocarpa juice supplementation led to reduced oxidative stress, manifested by increased immunoexpression of nNOS, eNOS, and MAS1 in the seminiferous tubules and in the Leydig cells. The morphometrically determined tubule structure data showed no significant differences between the three groups. However, the intensity of the immunoreaction for TRK-C and NT3 in Leydig cells was demonstrably higher in the supplemented old animals compared with the old controls. There was a significantly higher number of blood vessels around the seminiferous tubules in the supplemented animals compared to the old controls. These data indicate that supplementation with A. melanocarpa juice slows down aging processes in the testis and preserves the functional activity of Leydig cells.

Advances and future perspectives of intranasal drug delivery: A scientometric review

Intranasal drug delivery is as a noninvasive and efficient approach extensively utilized for treating the local, central nervous system, and systemic diseases. Despite numerous reviews delving into the application of intranasal drug delivery across biomedical fields, a comprehensive analysis of advancements and future perspectives remains elusive. This review elucidates the research progress of intranasal drug delivery through a scientometric analysis. It scrutinizes several challenges to bolster research in this domain, encompassing a thorough exploration of entry and elimination mechanisms specific to intranasal delivery, the identification of drugs compatible with the nasal cavity, the selection of dosage forms to surmount limited drug-loading capacity and poor solubility, and the identification of diseases amenable to the intranasal delivery strategy. Overall, this review furnishes a perspective aimed at galvanizing future research and development concerning intranasal drug delivery.