An Ethanolic Extract of Cucurbita pepo L. Seeds Modifies Neuroendocrine Disruption in Chronic Stressed Rats and Adrenal Expression of Inflammatory Markers and HSP70

Antidepressants - The new endocrine disruptors? The case of crustaceans

Antidepressants are high-volume pharmaceuticals that accumulate to concentrations in the μg·L-1 range in surface waters. The release of peptide hormones via neurosecretory cells appears as a natural target for antidepressants. Here I review research that suggests that antidepressants indeed disrupt endocrine signalling in crustaceans, by acting on the synthesis and release of neurohormones, such as crustacean hyperglycaemic hormone, moult inhibiting hormone and pigment dispersing hormone in decapods, as well as methyl farnesoate in Daphnids. Hence, antidepressants can affect hormonal regulation of physiological functions: increase in energy metabolism and activity, lowered ecdysteroid levels, potentially disrupting moult and somatic growth, reducing colour change capacity and compromising camouflage, as well as induction of male sex determination. Several studies further suggest effects of antidepressants on crustacean reproduction, but the hormonal regulation of these effects remains elusive. All things considered, a body of evidence strongly suggests that antidepressants are endocrine disrupting compounds in crustaceans.

Accelerating Effect of Cucurbita pepo L. Fruit Extract on Excisional Wound Healing in Depressed Rats Is Mediated through Its Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Background: Chronic stress can hinder wound healing as it suppresses both the cellular and innate immune responses. Objectives: The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the administration of topical and oral Cucurbita pepo L. (CP) ethanolic extract in prompting excisional wound healing in rats exposed to chronic stress, and to explain how it works. Materials and methods: Fifty albino rats assigned to five groups (n = 10) were utilized in this study. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was used for 4 weeks to induce depressive-like behavior in rats, and a forced swim test and corticosterone were assessed to confirm its occurrence. During the experiment, an excisional wound was induced in the rats and followed. Oxidant/antioxidants status and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were measured in the serum and wound area. Gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also assessed using RT-PCR. Wound closure histopathological changes and immunohistochemical expression of CD68, CD3, and CD4 at the wound area was assessed. Results: The administration of CP, both orally and topically, significantly reduced (p < 0.001) the depressive-like behavior and corticosterone and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, while it significantly up-regulated the antioxidant activity compared to the untreated and topically CP-treated groups. Both topically CP-treated and combined CP-treated groups showed complete re-epithelialization, reduced inflammatory cells infiltration, collagen fibers deposition, and significantly increased CD3, CD4 positive T cells count, with a superior effect in the combined CP-treated groups. Conclusion: Cucurbita pepo L., administrated both topically and orally, can enhance the wound healing process in rats with depressive-like behavior mostly through the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant activities observed in this study.