1
|
Shu W, Pan Y. A Meta-analysis of Different Acupuncture Modalities Combined With Antidepressants to Reduce Major Depressive Disorder. Clin Neuropharmacol 2024; 47:168-175. [PMID: 39140625 DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Acupuncture is an effective therapy for depression. Nevertheless, the results of clinical studies on major depressive disorder (MDD) remain controversial. METHODS By November 2023, English-language published randomized clinical trials involving acupuncture for treating MDD were searched. The analysis comprised 9 studies with 809 subjects who met the eligibility criteria. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool. RESULTS Acupuncture moderately alleviated the severity of MDD, independent of the method used (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.55; confidence interval [CI] 95%: -1.19, 0.09; P = 0.08). The severity of MDD was moderated by MA, regardless of antidepressant use (SMD = -0.49; CI95%: -1.13, 0.14, P = 0.09). Subgroup analysis revealed a nonsignificant reduction in MDD severity when using manual acupuncture alone (SMD -0.52; CI95%: -1.47, 0.44, P = 0.18). MDD severity was reduced by the use of manual acupuncture and antidepressants (SMD = -0.47; CI95%: -0.88, -0.06). Laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture (with or without antidepressants) did not significantly affect the severity of MDD. CONCLUSIONS Manual acupuncture with or without antidepressants may alleviate the severity of MDD, but its clinical benefit for treating MDD is inconclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanqing Shu
- Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Xi'an Third Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Yongzhen Pan
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bertollo AG, Galvan ACL, Dallagnol C, Cortez AD, Ignácio ZM. Early Life Stress and Major Depressive Disorder-An Update on Molecular Mechanisms and Synaptic Impairments. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6469-6483. [PMID: 38307968 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03983-2] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS), characterized as abuse, neglect, and abandonment, can cause several adverse consequences in the lives of affected individuals. ELS experiences can affect an individual's development in variable ways, persisting in the long term and promoting lasting impacts, considering that early exposure to stressors can be biologically incorporated, as prolonged stimulation of stress response systems affects the development of the brain structure and other body systems, increasing the risk of diseases associated with stress and cognitive impairment. This type of stress increases the risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD) in a severe form that does not respond adequately to traditional antidepressant treatments. Several alterations are studied as mechanisms that relate ELS with MDD, such as epigenetic alterations, neurotransmitters, and neuronal signaling. This review discusses research that brings evidence about the ELS mechanisms involved in synaptic impairments and MDD. The processes involved in epigenetic changes and the HPA axis are highlighted, as well as changes in neurotransmitters and neuronal signaling mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gollo Bertollo
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, 89815-899, Brazil
| | - Agatha Carina Leite Galvan
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, 89815-899, Brazil
| | - Claudia Dallagnol
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, 89815-899, Brazil
| | - Arthur Dellazeri Cortez
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, 89815-899, Brazil
| | - Zuleide Maria Ignácio
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, 89815-899, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aljabali AAA, Alkaraki AK, Gammoh O, Tambuwala MM, Mishra V, Mishra Y, Hassan SS, El-Tanani M. Deciphering Depression: Epigenetic Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:638. [PMID: 39194576 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Depression, a significant mental health disorder, is under intense research scrutiny to uncover its molecular foundations. Epigenetics, which focuses on controlling gene expression without altering DNA sequences, offers promising avenues for innovative treatment. This review explores the pivotal role of epigenetics in depression, emphasizing two key aspects: (I) identifying epigenetic targets for new antidepressants and (II) using personalized medicine based on distinct epigenetic profiles, highlighting potential epigenetic focal points such as DNA methylation, histone structure alterations, and non-coding RNA molecules such as miRNAs. Variations in DNA methylation in individuals with depression provide opportunities to target genes that are associated with neuroplasticity and synaptic activity. Aberrant histone acetylation may indicate that antidepressant strategies involve enzyme modifications. Modulating miRNA levels can reshape depression-linked gene expression. The second section discusses personalized medicine based on epigenetic profiles. Analyzing these patterns could identify biomarkers associated with treatment response and susceptibility to depression, facilitating tailored treatments and proactive mental health care. Addressing ethical concerns regarding epigenetic information, such as privacy and stigmatization, is crucial in understanding the biological basis of depression. Therefore, researchers must consider these issues when examining the role of epigenetics in mental health disorders. The importance of epigenetics in depression is a critical aspect of modern medical research. These findings hold great potential for novel antidepressant medications and personalized treatments, which would significantly improve patient outcomes, and transform psychiatry. As research progresses, it is expected to uncover more complex aspects of epigenetic processes associated with depression, enhance our comprehension, and increase the effectiveness of therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A A Aljabali
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Almuthanna K Alkaraki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Omar Gammoh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Sk Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, Paschim Medinipur 721140, West Bengal, India
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Long H, Chen Z, Xu X, Zhou Q, Fang Z, Lv M, Yang XH, Xiao J, Sun H, Fan M. Elucidating genetic and molecular basis of altered higher-order brain structure-function coupling in major depressive disorder. Neuroimage 2024; 297:120722. [PMID: 38971483 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120722] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that major depressive disorder (MDD) patients exhibit structural and functional impairments, but few studies have investigated changes in higher-order coupling between structure and function. Here, we systematically investigated the effect of MDD on higher-order coupling between structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC). Each brain region was mapped into embedding vector by the node2vec algorithm. We used support vector machine (SVM) with the brain region embedding vector to distinguish MDD patients from health controls (HCs) and identify the most discriminative brain regions. Our study revealed that MDD patients had decreased higher-order coupling in connections between the most discriminative brain regions and local connections in rich-club organization and increased higher-order coupling in connections between the ventral attentional network and limbic network compared with HCs. Interestingly, transcriptome-neuroimaging association analysis demonstrated the correlations between regional rSC-FC coupling variations between MDD patients and HCs and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6), β 1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-9(β3GNT9), transmembrane protein 45B (TMEM45B), the correlation between regional dSC-FC coupling variations and retinoic acid early transcript 1E antisense RNA 1(RAET1E-AS1), and the correlations between regional iSC-FC coupling variations and ABHD6, β3GNT9, katanin-like 2 protein (KATNAL2). In addition, correlation analysis with neurotransmitter receptor/transporter maps found that the rSC-FC and iSC-FC coupling variations were both correlated with neuroendocrine transporter (NET) expression, and the dSC-FC coupling variations were correlated with metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5). Further mediation analysis explored the relationship between genes, neurotransmitter receptor/transporter and MDD related higher-order coupling variations. These findings indicate that specific genetic and molecular factors underpin the observed disparities in higher-order SC-FC coupling between MDD patients and HCs. Our study confirmed that higher-order coupling between SC and FC plays an important role in diagnosing MDD. The identification of new biological evidence for MDD etiology holds promise for the development of innovative antidepressant therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Long
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Zihao Chen
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Xinli Xu
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Qianwei Zhou
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Zhaolin Fang
- Network Information Center, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Mingqi Lv
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Xu-Hua Yang
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Jie Xiao
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Hui Sun
- College of Electrical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Ming Fan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Instrumentation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Calabrese V, Osakabe N, Siracusa R, Modafferi S, Di Paola R, Cuzzocrea S, Jacob UM, Fritsch T, Abdelhameed AS, Rashan L, Wenzel U, Franceschi C, Calabrese EJ. Transgenerational hormesis in healthy aging and antiaging medicine from bench to clinics: Role of food components. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 220:111960. [PMID: 38971236 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111960] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases have multifactorial pathogenesis, mainly involving neuroinflammatory processes. Finding drugs able to treat these diseases, expecially because for most of these diseases there are no effective drugs, and the current drugs cause undesired side effects, represent a crucial point. Most in vivo and in vitro studies have been concentrated on various aspects related to neurons (e.g. neuroprotection), however, there has not been focus on the prevention of early stages involving glial cell activation and neuroinflammation. Recently, it has been demonstrated that nutritional phytochemicals including polyphenols, the main active constituents of the Mediterranean diet, maintain redox balance and neuroprotection through the activation of hormetic vitagene pathway. Recent lipidomics data from our laboratory indicate mushrooms as strong nutritional neuronutrients with strongly activity against neuroinflammation in Meniere' diseaseas, a model of cochleovestibular neural degeneration, as well as in animal model of traumatic brain injury, or rotenone induced parkinson's disease. Moreover, Hidrox®, an aqueous extract of olive containing hydroxytyrosol, and Boswellia, acting as Nrf2 activators, promote resilience by enhancing the redox potential, and thus, regulate through hormetic mechanisms, cellular stress response mechanisms., Thus, modulation of cellular stress pathways, in particular vitagenes system, may be an innovative approach for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Naomi Osakabe
- Department of Bioscience and Engineering, Shibaura Institute Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina 98166, Italy
| | - Sergio Modafferi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina 98168, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina 98166, Italy
| | | | | | - Ali S Abdelhameed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Luay Rashan
- Biodiversity Unit, Dhofar University, Salalah, Oman
| | - Uwe Wenzel
- Institut für Ernährungswissenschaft, Justus Liebig Universitat Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pan SM, Yin XY, Dai DM, Zhang LW, Qi Q, Wang PJ, Hui L, Zhu ZH. Unraveling the potential of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides as an adjuvant of escitalopram in depression treatment and exploring the underlying mechanisms. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118124. [PMID: 38556138 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHAMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOs) is a mixture of oligosaccharides extracted from the roots of Morinda officinalis (MO). It is approved by Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for depression treatment. MOs could improve the antidepressant efficacy of escitalopram in clinic. AIM OF THE STUDY We aim to explore the antidepressant activity and potential mechanism of the combination usage of MOs and escitalopram on animal model of depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Depressive animal model was induced by chronic mild stress (CMS). Behavioral tests were conducted to evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of MOs and escitalopram. Serum neurotransmitter levels were detected by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were applied to assay the hippocampus neurotrophic factors' mRNA and protein levels. Peripheral cytokines levels were measured through Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Micorglia polization phenotype was assayed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. RESULTS MOs and escitalopram obviously attenuated depression-like behaviors of CMS mice. Importantly, MOs plus escitalopram exhibited better antidepressant activity on CMS mice than monotherapy. At the same time, MOs combined escitalopram treatment significantly increased hippocampus neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factor levels, stimulated hippocampus neurogenesis and relieved central nervous system (CNS) microglia over-activation of CMS mice. The combination therapy had greater effect on neuroprotection and inflammation attenuation of CMS mice than monotherapy. CONCLUSION Our results indicates MOs combined escitalopram might produce antidepressant activity through protecting neuron activity, relieving inflammation and modulating microglia polarization process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Man Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xu-Yuan Yin
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Dong-Mei Dai
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Li-Wan Zhang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Qi Qi
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Pei-Jie Wang
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Li Hui
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Zhen-Hua Zhu
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215137, Jiangsu, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Faria M, Ganz A, Galkin F, Zhavoronkov A, Snyder M. Psychogenic Aging: A Novel Prospect to Integrate Psychobiological Hallmarks of Aging. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:226. [PMID: 38816369 PMCID: PMC11139997 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02919-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychological factors are amongst the most robust predictors of healthspan and longevity, yet are rarely incorporated into scientific and medical frameworks of aging. The prospect of characterizing and integrating the psychological influences of aging is therefore an unmet step for the advancement of geroscience. Psychogenic Aging research is an emerging branch of biogerontology that aims to address this gap by investigating the impact of psychological factors on human longevity. It is an interdisciplinary field that integrates complex psychological, neurological, and molecular relationships that can be best understood with precision medicine methodologies. This perspective argues that psychogenic aging should be considered an integral component of the Hallmarks of Aging framework, opening the doors for future biopsychosocial integration in longevity research. By providing a unique perspective on frequently overlooked aspects of organismal aging, psychogenic aging offers new insights and targets for anti-aging therapeutics on individual and societal levels that can significantly benefit the scientific and medical communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Faria
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ariel Ganz
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Deep Longevity, Hong Kong, China
- Insilico Medicine, Hong Kong, China
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Michael Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lee SH, Jung EM. Adverse effects of early-life stress: focus on the rodent neuroendocrine system. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:336-341. [PMID: 37488887 PMCID: PMC10503627 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.377587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress is associated with a high prevalence of mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety or depressive behavior, which constitute major public health problems. In the early stages of brain development after birth, events such as synaptogenesis, neuron maturation, and glial differentiation occur in a highly orchestrated manner, and external stress can cause adverse long-term effects throughout life. Our body utilizes multifaceted mechanisms, including neuroendocrine and neurotransmitter signaling pathways, to appropriately process external stress. Newborn individuals first exposed to early-life stress deploy neurogenesis as a stress-defense mechanism; however, in adulthood, early-life stress induces apoptosis of mature neurons, activation of immune responses, and reduction of neurotrophic factors, leading to anxiety, depression, and cognitive and memory dysfunction. This process involves the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and neurotransmitters secreted by the central nervous system, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. The rodent early-life stress model is generally used to experimentally assess the effects of stress during neurodevelopment. This paper reviews the use of the early-life stress model and stress response mechanisms of the body and discusses the experimental results regarding how early-life stress mediates stress-related pathways at a high vulnerability of psychiatric disorder in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyun Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Man Jung
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Collins NJ, Campbell TS, Bozeman AL, Martes AC, Ross SE, Doherty TS, Brumley MR, Roth TL. Epigenetic processes associated with neonatal spinal transection. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22466. [PMID: 38388192 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In early development, the spinal cord in healthy or disease states displays remarkable activity-dependent changes in plasticity, which may be in part due to the increased activity of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Indeed, BDNF delivery has been efficacious in partially ameliorating many of the neurobiological and behavioral consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI), making elucidating the role of BDNF in the normative developing and injured spinal cord a critical research focus. Recent work in our laboratory provided evidence for aberrant global and locus-specific epigenetic changes in methylation of the Bdnf gene as a consequence of SCI. In the present study, animals underwent thoracic lesions on P1, with cervical and lumbar tissue being later collected on P7, P14, and P21. Levels of Bdnf expression and methylation (exon IX and exon IV), in addition to global methylation levels were quantified at each timepoint. Results indicated locus-specific reductions of Bdnf expression that was accompanied by a parallel increase in methylation caudal to the injury site, with animals displaying increased Bdnf expression at the P14 timepoint. Together, these findings suggest that epigenetic activity of the Bdnf gene may act as biomarker in the etiology and intervention effort efficacy following SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Collins
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Taylor S Campbell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Aimee L Bozeman
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA
| | - Alleyna C Martes
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA
| | - Sydney E Ross
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Tiffany S Doherty
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Michele R Brumley
- Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA
| | - Tania L Roth
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sun B, Cao X, Xin M, Guan R. Treatment of Depression with Acupuncture Based on Pathophysiological Mechanism. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:347-357. [PMID: 38314195 PMCID: PMC10838506 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s448031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is a prevalent mental disorder and has a profound impact on an individual's psychological and physical well-being. It is characterized by a persistently depressed mood, loss of interest, energy loss, and cognitive dysfunction. In recent years, more and more people have changed to mental diseases, such as depression, anxiety, mania and so on. In the incidence of depression, covering all ages, but still mainly young and middle-aged women. Traditional treatments for depression mainly rely on medication and psychotherapy, but these methods are not effective for all patients and are often accompanied by certain side effects. Therefore, finding safe and effective alternative or adjuvant treatments has become a priority. Here we highlight the research progress of acupuncture in the treatment of depression and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of depression. Acupuncture treatment of depression is an ancient and effective method, the mechanism involves multiple biological pathways, for example, by regulating neurotransmitter levels, regulating the neuroendocrine axis, improving neuroplasticity, anti-inflammatory and other effects, improving emotional state and play an antidepressant role. To provide evidence to support the widespread use of acupuncture in clinical practice. We hope to provide new treatment ideas and methods for patients with depression, and even reduce the incidence of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Neurology Department, The 962nd Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuewei Cao
- Cardiopulmonary Department, Jiamusi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Xin
- Neurology Department, Xin Wanhe Acupuncture Clinic, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruiqian Guan
- Massage Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Strelevitz H, Dehaqani AA, Balasco L, Bozzi Y. Obtaining novel data-driven hypotheses from teaching activities: An example assessing the role of the FKBP5 gene in major depression. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3595-3604. [PMID: 37649449 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16133] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Many clinical and research efforts aim to develop antidepressant drugs for those suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). Yet, even today, the available treatments are suboptimal and unpredictable, with a significant proportion of patients enduring multiple drug attempts and adverse side effects before a successful response, and, for many patients, no response at all. Thus, a clearer understanding of the mechanisms underlying MDD is necessary. In the 'Brain Development and Disease' class of our Master's program in Cognitive Sciences, we ask students to collect data about the expression of a gene whose altered expression and/or function is related to a brain disorder. The students' final exam assignment consists of writing a research article in which the collected data are discussed in relation to the relevant disorder. In the course of one of these assignments, we identified the FKBP5 gene as a key player uniting two major hypotheses of MDD pathogenesis and treatment response. FKBP5 controls biological processes including immunoregulation and glucocorticoid function, both of which are separately implicated in the development and prognosis of MDD. Gene expression analyses from the human, non-human primate and mouse Allen Brain Atlases revealed that FKBP5 is expressed in brain regions involved in MDD, particularly at ages susceptible to early-life stressors. Data re-analysis from published studies confirmed that FKBP5 expression is upregulated in relevant brain regions in human MDD and preclinical mouse models of MDD. Our experience shows that classes engaging students in data collection and analysis projects may effectively result in novel data-driven hypotheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Strelevitz
- Master in Cognitive Sciences, Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Trento, Italy
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Trento, Italy
| | - Alireza A Dehaqani
- Master in Cognitive Sciences, Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Trento, Italy
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Trento, Italy
- Italian Institute of Technology, Rovereto, Trento, Italy
| | - Luigi Balasco
- Master in Cognitive Sciences, Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Trento, Italy
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Trento, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Master in Cognitive Sciences, Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Trento, Italy
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Trento, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cutler AJ, Mattingly GW, Maletic V. Understanding the mechanism of action and clinical effects of neuroactive steroids and GABAergic compounds in major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:228. [PMID: 37365161 PMCID: PMC10293235 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is thought to result from impaired connectivity between key brain networks. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, working primarily via GABAA receptors, with an important role in virtually all physiologic functions in the brain. Some neuroactive steroids (NASs) are positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors and potentiate phasic and tonic inhibitory responses via activation of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, respectively. This review first discusses preclinical and clinical data that support the association of depression with diverse defects in the GABAergic system of neurotransmission. Decreased levels of GABA and NASs have been observed in adults with depression compared with healthy controls, while treatment with antidepressants normalized the altered levels of GABA and NASs. Second, as there has been intense interest in treatment approaches for depression that target dysregulated GABAergic neurotransmission, we discuss NASs approved or currently in clinical development for the treatment of depression. Brexanolone, an intravenous NAS and a GABAA receptor PAM, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in patients 15 years and older. Other NASs include zuranolone, an investigational oral GABAA receptor PAM, and PH10, which acts on nasal chemosensory receptors; clinical data to date have shown improvement in depressive symptoms with these investigational NASs in adults with MDD or PPD. Finally, the review discusses how NAS GABAA receptor PAMs may potentially address the unmet need for novel and effective treatments with rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in patients with MDD.
Collapse
|
13
|
Arzate-Mejia RG, Mansuy IM. Remembering through the genome: the role of chromatin states in brain functions and diseases. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:122. [PMID: 37041131 PMCID: PMC10090084 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02415-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin is the physical substrate of the genome that carries the DNA sequence and ensures its proper functions and regulation in the cell nucleus. While a lot is known about the dynamics of chromatin during programmed cellular processes such as development, the role of chromatin in experience-dependent functions remains not well defined. Accumulating evidence suggests that in brain cells, environmental stimuli can trigger long-lasting changes in chromatin structure and tri-dimensional (3D) organization that can influence future transcriptional programs. This review describes recent findings suggesting that chromatin plays an important role in cellular memory, particularly in the maintenance of traces of prior activity in the brain. Inspired by findings in immune and epithelial cells, we discuss the underlying mechanisms and the implications for experience-dependent transcriptional regulation in health and disease. We conclude by presenting a holistic view of chromatin as potential molecular substrate for the integration and assimilation of environmental information that may constitute a conceptual basis for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo G Arzate-Mejia
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETHZ), Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Neuroscience Zürich, University Zürich and ETHZ, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle M Mansuy
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETHZ), Zurich, Switzerland.
- Center for Neuroscience Zürich, University Zürich and ETHZ, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu X, Li L, Zhou B, Wang J, Shao W. Connexin 43 regulates astrocyte dysfunction and cognitive deficits in early life stress-treated mice. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:1207-1214. [PMID: 36939885 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06587-9] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress such as maternal separation (MS), is a major risk factor for developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Connexin 43 (CX43), the main type of connexins expressed in astrocytes, has been indicated to participate in depression disorders. Nevertheless, the role of CX43 in MS-induced cognitive impairment and astrocyte dysfunction is unclear. Neonatal C57BL/6 mice were exposed to MS to mimic early life stress. Adeno-associated virus carrying CX43 was inoculated into mice for CX43 overexpression. Sucrose preference test, forced swim test and Morris water maze were performed for evaluating depression-like behaviors and spatial learning and memory of mice in adulthood. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was conducted to detect CX43 mRNA expression in mouse brain. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used for measuring expression levels of astrocytic markers in murine hippocampal dentate gyrus. The results showed that overexpressing CX43 attenuated MS exposure-induced depression-like behaviors and decrease in spatial learning and memory in mice. Upregulating CX43 alleviated MS exposure-induced downregulation of astrocytic markers. Collectively, CX43 overexpression attenuates cognitive deficits and astrocyte dysfunction in mice exposed to MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wu
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Bingling Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Qiaokou District, No. 215 Zhongshan Avenue, Wuhan, 430033, China.
| |
Collapse
|