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Yang C, Jiang W, Su D, Yang C, Yuan Q, Kang C, Xiao C, Wang L, Peng C, Zhou T, Zhang J. Contamination of the traditional medicine Radix Dipsaci with aflatoxin B1 impairs hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function in a mouse model of osteoporosis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116831. [PMID: 39151374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aflatoxin B1, which can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and kill neural cells, can contaminate traditional herbal medicines, posing a significant risk to human health. The present study examined cellular, cognitive and behavioral consequences of aflatoxin B1 contamination of the anti-osteoporotic medicine Radix Dipsaci. METHODS A mouse model of osteoporosis was created by treating the animals with all-trans-retinoic acid. Then the animals were treated intragastically with water decoctions of Radix Dipsaci that contained detectable aflatoxin B1 or not. The animals were compared in terms of mineral density and mineral salt content of bone, production of pro-inflammatory factors, neurogenesis and microglial activation in hippocampus, as well as behavior and cognitive function. RESULTS Contamination of Radix Dipsaci with aflatoxin B1 significantly reduced the medicine's content of bioactive saponins. It destroyed the ability of the herbal decoction to improve mineral density and mineral salt content in the bones of diseased mice, and it induced the production of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. Aflatoxin B1 contamination inhibited formation of new neurons and increased the proportion of activated microglia in the hippocampus. These neurological changes were associated with anhedonia, behavioral despair, and deficits in short-term memory and social memory. CONCLUSION Contamination of Radix Dipsaci with aflatoxin B1 not only eliminates the herbal decoction's anti-osteoporotic effects, but it also induces neurotoxicity that can lead to cognitive decline and behavioral abnormalities. Such contamination should be avoided through tightly regulated production and quality control of medicinal herbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyan Yang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Weike Jiang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Dapeng Su
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Changgui Yang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Qingsong Yuan
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Chuanzhi Kang
- Resource Institute for Chinese and Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Chenghong Xiao
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Lulu Wang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Cheng Peng
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
| | - Tao Zhou
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Jinqiang Zhang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
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Fu Y, Gu Z, Cao H, Zuo C, Huang Y, Song Y, Miao J, Jiang Y, Wang F. Proteomic characterization of the medial prefrontal cortex in chronic restraint stress mice. J Proteomics 2024; 307:105278. [PMID: 39142625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105278] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a prominent contributor to global disability. A growing body of data suggests that depression is associated with the pathophysiology of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Mice were subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS) for 3 weeks to create depression models during this investigation. Protein tandem mass tag (TMT) quantification and LC-MS/MS analysis were conducted to examine proteome patterns. Afterwards, to further explore the enrichment of differential proteins and the signaling pathways involved, we annotated these differentially expressed proteins. We confirmed that CRS mice developed depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors. Among the 8081 measured proteins, a total of 15 proteins were found to be differentially expressed. These proteins exhibited functional enrichment in a variety of biological functions, and among these pathways, alterations in synaptic function and autophagy are noteworthy. In addition, we identified a differentially expressed protein called Wnt2b and found that CRS may disrupt synaptic plasticity by affecting the activation of the Wnt2b/β-catenin pathway. Our findings showed depression-like behaviors in the CRS mouse model and molecular alterations in the mPFC, which may help explain the pathogenesis of depression and identify novel antidepressant medication targets. SIGNIFICANCE: Depression is a prevalent and frequent chronic mental illness and is now a significant contributor to global disability. In this study, we used chronic restraint stress to establish a mouse model of depression, and differentially expressed proteins in the medial prefrontal cortex of depressed model mice were detected by TMT proteomics. Our study verified the presence of altered synaptic function and excessive autophagy in the mPFC of CRS-induced mice from a proteomic perspective. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CRS may disrupt synaptic plasticity by affecting the activation of the Wnt2b/β-catenin pathway, which may be a key link in the pathogenesis of depression and may provide new insights for identifying new antidepressant drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Fu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongya Gu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Huan Cao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Chengchao Zuo
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yaqi Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jinfeng Miao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yongsheng Jiang
- Cancer Center of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Furong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging (HUST), Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
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Rawls A, Nyugen D, Dziabis J, Anbarci D, Clark M, Dzirasa K, Bilbo S. Microglial MyD88-dependent pathways are regulated in a sex-specific manner in the context of HMGB1-induced anxiety. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590482. [PMID: 38712142 PMCID: PMC11071353 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a significant risk factor for the development and recurrence of anxiety disorders. Chronic stress impacts the immune system, causing microglial functional alterations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a brain region involved in the pathogenesis of anxiety. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is an established modulator of neuronal firing and a potent pro-inflammatory stimulus released from neuronal and non-neuronal cells following stress. HMGB1, in the context of stress, acts as a danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), instigating robust proinflammatory responses throughout the brain, so much so that localized drug delivery of HMGB1 alters behavior in the absence of any other forms of stress, i.e., social isolation, or behavioral stress models. Few studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms that underlie HMGB1-associated behavioral effects in a cell-specific manner. The aim of this study is to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying HMGB1-induced behavioral dysfunction with regard to cell-type specificity and potential sex differences. Here, we report that both male and female mice exhibited anxiety-like behavior following increased HMGB1 in the mPFC as well as changes in microglial morphology. Interestingly, our results demonstrate that HMGB1-induced anxiety may be mediated by distinct microglial MyD88-dependent mechanisms in females compared to males. This study supports the hypothesis that MyD88 signaling in microglia may be a crucial mediator of the stress response in adult female mice.
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Mokhtari T, Irandoost E, Sheikhbahaei F. Stress, pain, anxiety, and depression in endometriosis-Targeting glial activation and inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111942. [PMID: 38565045 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is a gynecological inflammatory disease often accompanied by stress, chronic pelvic pain (CPP), anxiety, and depression, leading to a diminished quality of life. This review aims to discuss the relationship between systemic and local inflammatory responses in the central nervous system (CNS), focusing on glial dysfunctions (astrocytes and microglia) as in critical brain regions involved in emotion, cognition, pain processing, anxiety, and depression. The review presents that EM is connected to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the circulation. Additionally, chronic stress and CPP as stressors may contribute to the dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, depleting the production of inflammatory mediators in the circulatory system and the brain. The systemic cytokines cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, activate microglia in the brain, and lead to neuroinflammation. Furthermore, CPP may induce neuronal morphological alterations in critical regions through central sensitization and the activation of glial cells. The activation of glial cells, particularly the polarization of microglia, leads to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines. These inflammatory cytokines interact with the signaling pathways involved in neural plasticity. Additionally, persistent inflammatory conditions in the brain lead to neuronal death, which is correlated with a reduced volume of key brain regions such as the hippocampus. This review highlights the involvement of glial cells in the pathogenesis of the mental comorbidities of EM (i.e., pain, anxiety, and depression) and to discuss potential therapeutic approaches for targeting the inflammation and activation of microglia in key brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmineh Mokhtari
- Department of Pharmacology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Elnaz Irandoost
- Sarem Women's Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Sheikhbahaei
- Department of Anatomy, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Zhang T, Wang J, Wang Y, He L, Lv S, Wang Y, Li W. Wenyang-Tianjing-Jieyu Decoction Improves Depression Rats of Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern by Regulating T Cell Homeostasis and Inflammation Level. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:631-647. [PMID: 38545129 PMCID: PMC10966763 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s445636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Chronic inflammation is one of the key mechanisms of depression. Wenyang-Tianjin-Jie Decoction (WTJD) is an effective antidepressant found in the course of diagnosis and treatment, but the mechanism of therapeutic effect is not clear. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of WTJD in the kidney yang deficiency (KYD) type of depression rats and reveal its mechanisms. Materials and Methods We selected forty 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats for the study. We established a KYD [Phellodendron amurense Rupr (Huangbai) solution oral gavage and 4°C environments; 8 weeks] type of depression (chronic unpredictable mild stimulus; 6 weeks) rat model first. After successful modeling, we used WTJD or fluoxetine on rats for 3 weeks. Then we evaluated the depression and KYD behavior. Finally, we observed the expression of key inflammatory factors and proteins in peripheral blood and hippocampus, and further investigated the immune balance of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells and the activity of their main regulatory pathways JAK2/STAT3 and TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB. Results The imbalance of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells in rats were related to KYD and depressive symptoms. Through this study, we found that WTJD can inhibit the activity of JAK2/STAT3 and TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathways, balance Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cell homeostasis, regulate the levels of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus and peripheral blood, and reverse KYD and depression. Conclusion This study confirmed that WTJD had a reliable effect on depression rats with KYD, and its mechanism was to regulate the immune homeostasis of hippocampal T cells and related inflammatory factors to improve KYD and depression symptoms in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhang
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiexin Wang
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linxi He
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shangbin Lv
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiran Wang
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weihong Li
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Kouba BR, de Araujo Borba L, Borges de Souza P, Gil-Mohapel J, Rodrigues ALS. Role of Inflammatory Mechanisms in Major Depressive Disorder: From Etiology to Potential Pharmacological Targets. Cells 2024; 13:423. [PMID: 38474387 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The involvement of central and peripheral inflammation in the pathogenesis and prognosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) has been demonstrated. The increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α) in individuals with depression may elicit neuroinflammatory processes and peripheral inflammation, mechanisms that, in turn, can contribute to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Together, neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis induce alterations in tryptophan metabolism, culminating in decreased serotonin synthesis, impairments in neuroplasticity-related mechanisms, and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. This review aims to highlight the inflammatory mechanisms (neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, and gut dysbiosis) involved in the pathophysiology of MDD and to explore novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches for this psychiatric disturbance. Several lines of evidence have indicated that in addition to antidepressants, physical exercise, probiotics, and nutraceuticals (agmatine, ascorbic acid, and vitamin D) possess anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to their antidepressant properties. Further studies are necessary to explore the therapeutic benefits of these alternative therapies for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna R Kouba
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Laura de Araujo Borba
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Pedro Borges de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
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Lv S, Zhang G, Huang Y, Zhong X, Yi Y, Lu Y, Li J, Ma Y, Teng J. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis: pharmacological mechanisms of antidepressant active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1307746. [PMID: 38152691 PMCID: PMC10751940 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1307746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is characterized by prominent indicators and manifestations, such as anhedonia, which refers to the inability to experience pleasure, and persistent feelings of hopelessness. In clinical practice, the primary treatment approach involves the utilization of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related pharmacological interventions. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that these agents are associated with significant adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) adopts a multifaceted approach, targeting diverse components, multiple targets, and various channels of action. TCM has potential antidepressant effects. Anomalies in adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) constitute a pivotal factor in the pathology of depression, with the regulation of AHN emerging as a potential key measure to intervene in the pathogenesis and progression of this condition. This comprehensive review presented an overview of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of active ingredients found in TCM. Through examination of recent studies, we explored how these ingredients modulated AHN. Furthermore, we critically assessed the current limitations of research in this domain and proposed novel strategies for preclinical investigation and clinical applications in the treatment of depression in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimeng Lv
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Guangheng Zhang
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yufei Huang
- Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Zhong
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yunhao Yi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yitong Lu
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jiamin Li
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuexiang Ma
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Teng
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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