Ginkgolide-Platinum(II) Complex GPt(II) Exhibits Therapeutic Effect on Depression in Mice via Upregulation of DA and 5-HT Neurotransmitters

Pathogenesis of depression and the potential for traditional Chinese medicine treatment

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that significantly diminishes quality of life and longevity, ranking as one of the primary causes of disability globally. Contemporary research has explored the potential pathogenesis of depression from various angles, encompassing genetics, neurotransmitter systems, neurotrophic factors, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inflammation, and intestinal flora, among other contributing factors. In addition, conventional chemical medications are plagued by delayed onset of action, persistent adverse effects, and restricted therapeutic efficacy. In light of these limitations, the therapeutic approach of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained increasing recognition for its superior effectiveness. Numerous pharmacological and clinical studies have substantiated TCM's capacity to mitigate depressive symptoms through diverse mechanisms. This article attempts to summarize the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of depression and to describe the characteristics of herbal medicines (including compounded formulas and active ingredients) for the treatment of depression. It further evaluates their effectiveness by correlating with the multifaceted pathogenesis of depression, thereby furnishing a reference for future research endeavors.

Survival and Neurogenesis-Promoting Effects of the Co-Overexpression of BCLXL and BDNF Genes on Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The main problem with using MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) to treat the deficient diseases of the central nervous system is the low cell survival rate after the transplant procedure and their low ability to spontaneously differentiate into functional neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genetically modifying MSC. A co-overexpression of two genes was performed: BCLXL was supposed to increase the resistance of the cells to the toxic agents and BDNF was supposed to direct cells into the neuronal differentiation pathway. As a result, it was possible to obtain the functional overexpression of the BCLXL and BDNF genes. These cells had an increased resistance to apoptosis-inducing toxicants (staurosporine, doxorubicin and H₂O₂). At the same time, the genes of the neuronal pathway (CHAT, TPH1) were overexpressed. The genetically modified MSC increased the survival rate under toxic conditions, which increased the chance of surviving a transplant procedure. The obtained cells can be treated as neural cell progenitors, which makes them a universal material that can be used in various disease models. The production of neurotransmitters suggests that cells transplanted into the brain and subjected to the additional influence of the brain’s microenvironment, will be able to form synapses and become functional neurons.