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Shayan E, Maheri F, Aflaki F, Mousavi SE, Zarrindast MR, Fakhraei N, Rezayat Sorkhabadi SM, Shushtarian SMM. Synergistic effects of citicoline and silymarin nanomicelles in restraint stress-exposed mice. Behav Brain Res 2024; 464:114929. [PMID: 38428646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114929] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of citicoline and silymarin nanomicelles (SMnm) in repeated restraint stress (RRS). METHOD Mice were exposed to RRS for four consecutive days, 2 hrs. daily. On day 5 of the study, SMnm (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) and citicoline (25 and 75 mg/kg), and a combination of them (25 mg/kg, i.p.) were initiated. On day 18, anxiety-like behavior, behavioral despair, and exploratory behavior were evaluated. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus were dissected measuring brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) through Western Blot and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS In RR-exposed mice, anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM) was enhanced by reductions in open arm time (OAT%) P < 0.001, and open arm entry (OAE%) P < 0.001. In the forced swimming test (FST), the immobility increased P < 0.001 while the swimming and climbing reduced P < 0.001. In the open field test (OFT), general motor activity was raised P < 0.05. Further, body weights reduced P < 0.001, and tissue BDNF and pCREB expressions decreased P < 0.001 while TNF-α increased P < 0.001. Conversely, SMnm, citicoline and their combination could reduce anxiety-like behavior P < 0.001. The combination group reduced the depressive-like behaviors P < 0.001. Moreover, body weights were restored P < 0.001. Besides, BDNF and pCREB expressions increased while TNF-α reduced, P < 0.001. CONCLUSION The combination synergistically improved emotion-like behaviors, alleviating the inflammation and upregulating the hippocampal BDNF-mediated CREB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Shayan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Maheri
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aflaki
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Advance Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyedeh-Elaheh Mousavi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Fakhraei
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed-Mohammad-Masoud Shushtarian
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Advance Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Ranjan S, Gautam A. Pharmaceutical prospects of Silymarin for the treatment of neurological patients: an updated insight. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1159806. [PMID: 37274201 PMCID: PMC10232807 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1159806] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Silymarin is a polyphenolic flavonoid complex extricated from dried fruits and seeds of the plant Silybum marianum L. Chemically, it is a mixture of flavonolignan complexes consisting of silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, silydianin, a minor quantity of taxifolin, and other polyphenolic compounds, which possess different bio medicinal values. Purpose This review critically looks into the current status, pharmaceutical prospects and limitations of the clinical application of Silymarin for treating neurological disorders. In particular, Silymarin's medicinal properties and molecular mechanisms are focused on providing a better-compiled understanding helpful in its neuro-pharmacological or therapeutic aspects. Methods This review was compiled by the literature search done using three databases, i.e., PubMed (Medline), EMBASE and Science Direct, up to January 2023, using the keywords-Silymarin, neurological disorders, cognitive disorders, Type 2 Diabetes, pharmaceutical prospects and treatment. Then, potentially relevant publications and studies (matching the eligible criteria) were retrieved and selected to explain in this review using PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) study flow chart. Result Since its discovery, it has been widely studied as a hepatoprotective drug for various liver disorders. However, in the last 10-15 years, several research studies have shown its putative neuroprotective nature against various brain disorders, including psychiatric, neurodegenerative, cognitive, metabolic and other neurological disorders. The main underlying neuroprotective mechanisms in preventing and curing such disorders are the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, pro-neurotrophic and pro-estrogenic nature of the bioactive molecules. Conclusion This review provides a lucid summary of the well-studied neuroprotective effects of Silymarin, its underlying molecular mechanisms and current limitations for its usage during neurological disorders. Finally, we have suggested a future course of action for developing it as a novel herbal drug for the treatment of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovit Ranjan
- University Department of Zoology, Kolhan University, Chaibasa, Jharkhand, India
| | - Akash Gautam
- Center for Neural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
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Mechanistic Insights into the Pharmacological Significance of Silymarin. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165327. [PMID: 36014565 PMCID: PMC9414257 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Medicinal plants are considered the reservoir of diverse therapeutic agents and have been traditionally employed worldwide to heal various ailments for several decades. Silymarin is a plant-derived mixture of polyphenolic flavonoids originating from the fruits and akenes of Silybum marianum and contains three flavonolignans, silibinins (silybins), silychristin and silydianin, along with taxifolin. Silybins are the major constituents in silymarin with almost 70–80% abundance and are accountable for most of the observed therapeutic activity. Silymarin has also been acknowledged from the ancient period and is utilized in European and Asian systems of traditional medicine for treating various liver disorders. The contemporary literature reveals that silymarin is employed significantly as a neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective and detoxification agent by targeting various cellular and molecular pathways, including MAPK, mTOR, β-catenin and Akt, different receptors and growth factors, as well as inhibiting numerous enzymes and the gene expression of several apoptotic proteins and inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, the current review aims to recapitulate and update the existing knowledge regarding the pharmacological potential of silymarin as evidenced by vast cellular, animal, and clinical studies, with a particular emphasis on its mechanisms of action.
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Wang X, Zhang Z, Wu SC. Health Benefits of Silybum marianum: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Applications. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:11644-11664. [PMID: 33045827 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c04791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Silybum marianum (SM), a well-known plant used as both a medicine and a food, has been widely used to treat various diseases, especially hepatic diseases. The seeds and fruits of SM contain a flavonolignan complex called silymarin, the active compounds of which include silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, dihydrosilybin, silydianin, and so on. In this review, we thoroughly summarize high-quality publications related to the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of SM. SM has antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular-protective, neuroprotective, skin-protective, antidiabetic, and other effects. Importantly, SM also counteracts the toxicities of antibiotics, metals, and pesticides. The diverse pharmacological activities of SM provide scientific evidence supporting its use in both humans and animals. Multiple signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress and inflammation are the common molecular targets of SM. Moreover, the flavonolignans of SM are potential agonists of PPARγ and ABCA1, PTP1B inhibitors, and metal chelators. At the end of the review, the potential and perspectives of SM are discussed, and these insights are expected to facilitate the application of SM and the discovery and development of new drugs. We conclude that SM is an interesting dietary medicine for health enhancement and drug discovery and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, No. 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, No. 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai-Cheng Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, No. 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
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Barbosa CC, Nishimura AN, Santos MLD, Junior WD, Andersen ML, Mazaro-Costa R. Silymarin administration during pregnancy and breastfeeding: evaluation of initial development and adult behavior of mice. Neurotoxicology 2020; 78:64-70. [PMID: 32084436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Silymarin is a phytotherapeutic agent derived from the species Silybum marianum (Asteraceae), commonly is known as milk thistle, and traditionally used as a hepatoprotective; however, recent studies have proposed its use in order to promote lactogenesis, but there are few reports of its effects on the development of offspring. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of silymarin treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding on the sensory-somatic-motor development and adult behavior of F1-generation Swiss mice. The pregnant females of the parental generation were distributed in four experimental groups and treated orally with doses of 100, 200 or 300 mg/kg of silymarin, with a control group receiving vehicle - vegetable oil (VEH), to obtain the F1-generation. At the end of lactation, the parental generation were submitted to euthanasia. Body mass evolution was determined in both generations. The sensory-motor development of the offspring (F1-generation) was evaluated, and one male pup from each litter was followed up for an analysis of adult behavior. In the F1 analysis, no differences between the groups were observed in initial development from the sensory-somatic-motor analysis performed during the 1st to 21st postnatal days. In the behavioral evaluation of adults from the F1 generation, all the groups from dams treated with silymarin in open field (OF) analysis showed a decrease in the time spent in the periphery and an increase in the time spent in the center, but the ambulation observed by the number of quadrant crossed showed no difference. In addition, during OF, the 100 and 200 mg/kg groups presented an increase in fecal bolus compared with the VEH group. There was a decrease in immobility time in the forced swimming test in the 300 mg/kg group compared to the VEH group. Regarding the memory and learning test, the groups did not differ in their recognition scores. The results of this study using an animal model indicate that treatment with silymarin during pregnancy and breastfeeding does not promote significant morpho-functional changes in the offspring in their initial development and adult behavior, indicating the safety of its use during gestation and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Cesar Barbosa
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Monica Levy Andersen
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Xu F, Han C, Li Y, Zheng M, Xi X, Hu C, Cui X, Cao H. The Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Actions of Silybum Marianum. CURRENT NUTRITION & FOOD SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573401314666180327155745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review presents the chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Silybum marianum. These chemical constituents include flavonolignans, fatty acids, phenolics and other chemical constituents. Furthermore, flavonolignans constituents include silymarin isosilychristin, silychristin, silydianin, silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A, isosilybin B, etc. Pharmacological actions include a well curative effect on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, UV damage, varieties of cancers, diabetes. In addition, its pharmacological actions include anti-inflammatory, anti-depression and more pharmacological actions. This paper will enable Silybum marianum lay the foundation for producing high and sustainable productions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangxue Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Chunchao Han
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Yujuan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Mengmeng Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Xiaozhi Xi
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Chaoqun Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Xiaowei Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Hui Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
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Ghasemi M, Claunch J, Niu K. Pathologic role of nitrergic neurotransmission in mood disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 173:54-87. [PMID: 29890213 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mood disorders are chronic, recurrent mental diseases that affect millions of individuals worldwide. Although over the past 40 years the biogenic amine models have provided meaningful links with the clinical phenomena of, and the pharmacological treatments currently employed in, mood disorders, there is still a need to examine the contribution of other systems to the neurobiology and treatment of mood disorders. This article reviews the current literature describing the potential role of nitric oxide (NO) signaling in the pathophysiology and thereby the treatment of mood disorders. The hypothesis has arisen from several observations including (i) altered NO levels in patients with mood disorders; (ii) antidepressant effects of NO signaling blockers in both clinical and pre-clinical studies; (iii) interaction between conventional antidepressants/mood stabilizers and NO signaling modulators in several biochemical and behavioral studies; (iv) biochemical and physiological evidence of interaction between monoaminergic (serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine) system and NO signaling; (v) interaction between neurotrophic factors and NO signaling in mood regulation and neuroprotection; and finally (vi) a crucial role for NO signaling in the inflammatory processes involved in pathophysiology of mood disorders. These accumulating lines of evidence have provided a new insight into novel approaches for the treatment of mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
| | - Joshua Claunch
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Kathy Niu
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
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Kosari-Nasab M, Shokouhi G, Ghorbanihaghjo A, Abbasi MM, Salari AA. Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of Silymarin compared to diazepam and fluoxetine in a mouse model of mild traumatic brain injury. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 338:159-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Antidepressant-Like and Anxiolytic-Like Effects of ZBD-2, a Novel Ligand for the Translocator Protein (18 kDa). Neuromolecular Med 2016; 19:57-68. [PMID: 27544207 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-016-8425-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Activation of translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) plays an important role to mediate rapid anxiolytic efficacy in stress response and stress-related disorders by the production of neurosteroids. However, little is known about the ligand of TSPO on the anxiety-like and depressive behaviors and the underlying mechanisms in chronic unpredictable mild stress (UCMS) mice. In the present study, a novel ligand of TSPO, ZBD-2 [N-benzyl-N-ethyl-2-(7,8-dihydro-7-benzyl-8-oxo-2-phenyl-9H-purin-9-yl) acetamide] synthesized by our laboratory, was used to evaluate the anxiolytic and antidepressant efficacy and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. ZBD-2 (3 mg/kg) significantly attenuated anxiety-like and depressive behaviors in the UCMS mice, which was blocked by TSPO antagonist PK11195 (3 mg/kg). Treatment of ZBD-2 reversed the decrease in biogenic amines (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) in the brain region of hippocampus in the UCMS mice. The decreases in TSPO, GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, GluA1, p-GluA1-Ser831, p-GluA1-Ser845, PSD-95, and GABAA-a2 were integrated with the increases of CaMKII and iNOS levels in the hippocampus of the UCMS mice. ZBD-2 significantly reversed the changes of above proteins. However, ZBD-2 or PK11195 treatment did not affect the levels of GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors and the total levels of GAD67. Our study provides strong evidences that ZBD-2 has a therapeutic effect on chronic stress-related disorders such as depression and anxiety through regulating the biogenic amine levels and the synaptic proteins in the hippocampus.
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Li S, Han J, Wang DS, Feng B, Deng YT, Wang XS, Yang Q, Zhao MG. Echinocystic acid reduces reserpine-induced pain/depression dyad in mice. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:455-63. [PMID: 26729203 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9786-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain has consistently been correlated with depression. Echinocystic acid (EA), a natural triterpone enriched in various herbs and used for medicinal purpose in many Asian countries, exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. However, little is known the effects of EA on the depression. In present study, we investigated the anti-depression activities in the mouse model of reserpine-induced pain-depression dyad. Reserpine (1 mg/kg subcutaneously daily for 3 days) caused significant depression-like behaviors and pain sensation. Subsequent treatment of EA (5 mg/kg intragastrically daily for 5 days) attenuated the reserpine-induced pain/depression dyad as shown by the increase of pain threshold and the behaviors in forced swimming test, tail suspension test, and open field test. Furthermore, treatment of EA reversed the decrease of biogenic amines (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) in the brain region of hippocampus, a structure involved in the formation of emotional disorders. Levels of serotonin receptor 5-HT1A were decreased and levels of 5-HT2A were increased in the reserpine-injected mice. Treatment of EA could restore the alterations of serotonin receptors. At the same time, the increase in GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors, p-GluA1-Ser831, PSD-95 and CaMKII were integrated with the increase in caspase-3 and iNOS levels in the hippocampus of the reserpine-injected mice. EA significantly reversed the changes of above proteins. However, EA did not affect the levels of GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors and the total levels of GluA1 and p-GluA1-Ser845. Our study provides strong evidence that EA attenuates reserpine-induced pain/depression dyad partially through regulating the biogenic amines levels and GluN2B receptors in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Nanjing, Second Military Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ya-Ting Deng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xin-Shang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ming-Gao Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Bersani FS, Wolkowitz OM, Lindqvist D, Yehuda R, Flory J, Bierer LM, Makotine I, Abu-Amara D, Coy M, Reus VI, Epel ES, Marmar C, Mellon SH. Global arginine bioavailability, a marker of nitric oxide synthetic capacity, is decreased in PTSD and correlated with symptom severity and markers of inflammation. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 52:153-160. [PMID: 26515034 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2015.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Revised: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychiatric, physical and biological aspects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be associated with dysfunctions in several cellular processes including nitric oxide (NO) production. NO is synthesized from arginine in a reaction carried out by NO synthase (NOS) enzymes. The recently introduced "global arginine bioavailability ratio" (GABR; ratio of arginine to [ornithine+citrulline]) has been proposed as a reliable approximation of NO synthetic capacity in vivo. The objectives of the present study were to test the hypotheses that (i) subjects with combat-related PTSD have lower GABR scores than combat controls, (ii) GABR score is inversely associated with the severity of psychopathological measures, (iii) GABR score is inversely associated with markers of inflammation. METHODS Metabolic profiling for plasma samples (i.e. arginine, citrulline and ornithine) and inflammation markers (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interferon [IFN]-γ and C-reactive protein [CRP]) were assessed in 56 combat-exposed males with PTSD and 65 combat-exposed males without PTSD. We assessed severity of PTSD (Clinician Administered PTSD Scale [CAPS]) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]) as well as history of early life trauma (Early Trauma Inventory [ETI]) and affectivity (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule [PANAS]). RESULTS The GABR value was (i) significantly lower in PTSD subjects compared to controls (p=0.001), (ii) significantly inversely correlated with markers of inflammation including IL6 (p=0.04) and TNFα (p=0.02), and (iii) significantly inversely correlated with CAPS current (p=0.001) and lifetime (p<0.001) subscales, ETI (p=0.045) and PANAS negative (p=0.006). Adding antidepressant use or MDD diagnosis as covariates led to similar results. Adding age and BMI as covariates also led to similar results, with the exception of IL6 and ETI losing their significant association with GABR. DISCUSSION This study provides the first evidence that global arginine bioavailability, a marker of NO synthetic capacity in vivo, is lower in veterans with PTSD and is negatively associated with some markers of inflammation as well as with measures of PTSD symptom severity, negative affectivity and childhood adverse experiences. These findings add to the accumulating evidence that specific cellular dysfunction may be associated with the symptomatology of PTSD and may help to explain the higher burden of cardio-metabolic disturbances seen in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Janine Flory
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Linda M Bierer
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Iouri Makotine
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Center for Posttraumatic Stress and TBI, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michelle Coy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elissa S Epel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Center for Health and Community, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Charles Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Center for Posttraumatic Stress and TBI, New York, NY, United States
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Silymarin Accelerates Liver Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:603529. [PMID: 26339266 PMCID: PMC4539063 DOI: 10.1155/2015/603529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Partial hepatectomy (PHx) is a liver regeneration physiological response induced to maintain homeostasis. Liver regeneration evolved presumably to protect wild animals from catastrophic liver loss caused by toxins or tissue injury. Silymarin (Sm) ability to stimulate liver regeneration has been an object of curiosity for many years. Silymarin has been investigated for use as an antioxidant and anticarcinogen. However, its use as a supportive treatment for liver damage is elusive. In this study, we fed silymarin (Sm, 25 mg/kg) to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 7 weeks. Surgical 2/3 PHx was then conducted on the rats at 6 hrs, 24 hrs, and 72 hrs. Western blot and RT-PCR were conducted to detect the cell cycle activities and silymarin effects on hepatic regeneration. The results showed that silymarin enhanced liver regeneration by accelerating the cell cycle in PHx liver. Silymarin led to increased G1 phase (cyclin D1/pRb), S phase (cyclin E/E2F), G2 phase (cyclin B), and M phase (cyclin A) protein and mRNA at 6 hrs, 24 hrs, and 72 hrs PHx. HGF, TGFα, and TGFβ1 growth factor expressions were also enhanced. We suggest that silymarin plays a crucial role in accelerated liver regeneration after PHx.
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