Antidepressive effect of an inward rectifier K+ channel blocker peptide, tertiapin-RQ

Effect of chronic administration of ostruthin on depression-like behavior in chronically stressed mice

We have previously shown that a single dose of a TREK-1 channel activator, ostruthin, exhibited antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in acute behavioral test models in mice. To assess the potential clinical application, it is essential to evaluate the effects of long-term administration of ostruthin in a chronically stressed mouse model, which is considered to be similar to the clinical condition of major depression in humans. Here, we tested the effects of a single and a 7-day administration of ostruthin on mice that were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). A single administration of ostruthin showed antidepressive effects in the tail suspension and forced swim tests of CUMS-treated mice. Unexpectedly, the 7-day administration exhibited only insignificant antidepressive and anxiolytic effects. The 7-day regimen did not affect food intake or body-weight gain, suggesting the absence of apparent cytotoxicity. The mice receiving the 7-day administration had significantly lower blood concentrations of ostruthin compared to those receiving a single dose, suggesting an upregulation of drug-metabolizing activities. These findings suggest that there is a need for stable TREK-1 channel activators that are not affected by drug metabolism.

Biomedical applications of synthetic peptides derived from venom of animal origin: A systematic review

Development of therapeutic agents that have fewer adverse effects and have higher efficacy for diseases, such as cancer, metabolic disorders, neurological diseases, infections, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases, are required. Recent studies have focused on identifying novel sources for pharmaceutical molecules to develop therapies against these diseases. Among the sources for potentially new therapies, animal venom-derived molecules have generated much interest. Various animal venom-derived proteins and peptides have been isolated, identified, synthesized, and tested to develop drugs. Venom-derived peptides have several biomedical properties, such as proapoptotic, cell migration, and autophagy regulation activities in cancer cell models; induction of vasodilation by nitric oxide and regulation of angiotensin II; modification of insulin response by controlling calcium and potassium channels; regulation of pain receptor activity; modulation of immune cell activity; alteration of motor neuron activity; degradation or inhibition of β-amyloid plaque formation; antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal activities; increase in sperm motility and potentiation of erectile function; reduction of intraocular pressure; anticoagulation, fibrinolytic, and antithrombotic activities; etc. This systematic review compiles these biomedical properties and potential biomedical applications of synthesized animal venom-derived peptides reported in the latest research. In addition, the limitations and areas of opportunity in this research field are discussed so that new studies can be developed based on the data presented.