Administration of Asian Herb Bennet (Geum japonicum) Extract Reverses Depressive-Like Behaviors in Mouse Model of Depression Induced by Corticosterone

Reduced hepatic AdipoR2 by increased glucocorticoid mediates effect of psychosocial stress to elevate serum cholesterol

Understanding the effects of psychosocial stress on serum cholesterol may offer valuable insights into the relationship between psychological disorders and endocrine diseases. However, these effects and their underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated yet. Here we show that serum corticosterone, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are elevated in a mouse model of psychosocial stress. Furthermore, alterations occur in AdipoR2-mediated AMPK and PPARα signaling pathways in liver, accompanied by a decrease in LDL-C clearance and an increase in cholesterol synthesis. These changes are further verified in wild-type and AdipoR2 overexpression HepG2 cells incubated with cortisol and AdipoR agonist, and are finally confirmed by treating wild-type and hepatic-specific AdipoR2 overexpression mice with corticosterone. We conclude that increased glucocorticoid mediates the effects of psychosocial stress to elevate serum cholesterol by inhibiting AdipoR2-mediated AMPK and PPARα signaling to decrease LDL-C clearance and increase cholesterol synthesis in liver.

Comparative complete chloroplast genome of Geum japonicum: evolution and phylogenetic analysis

Geum japonicum (Rosaceae) has been widely used in China as a traditional herbal medicine due to its high economic and medicinal value. However, the appearance of Geum species is relatively similar, making identification difficult by conventional phenotypic methods, and the studies of genomics and species evolution are lacking. To better distinguish the medicinal varieties and fill this gap, we carried out relevant research on the chloroplast genome of G. japonicum. Results show a typical quadripartite structure of the chloroplast genome of G. japonicum with a length of 156,042 bp. There are totally 131 unique genes in the genome, including 87 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes, and there were also 87 SSRs identified and mostly mononucleotide Adenine-Thymine. We next compared the plastid genomes among four Geum species and obtained 14 hypervariable regions, including ndhF, psbE, trnG-UCC, ccsA, trnQ-UUG, rps16, psbK, trnL-UAA, ycf1, ndhD, atpA, petN, rps14, and trnK-UUU. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that G. japonicum is most closely related to Geum aleppicum, and possibly has some evolutionary relatedness with an ancient relic plant Taihangia rupestris. This research enriched the genome resources and provided fundamental insights for evolutionary studies and the phylogeny of Geum.

Dried Loquat Fruit Extract Containing Chlorogenic Acid Prevents Depressive-like Behaviors Induced by Repeated Corticosteroid Injections in Mice

Eriobotrya japonica (loquat tree) has been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory ailments, inflammation, and skin diseases; however, its potential antidepressant-like effects have not been extensively investigated. In this study, we evaluated the antidepressant-like effects of E. japonica fruit extract (EJFE) in a mouse model of corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression. An HPLC analysis revealed that chlorogenic acid (CGA) is the major compound in EJFE. Male ICR mice (5weeks-old) were injected with CORT (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) once daily for 21 days to induce depressive-like behaviors. Various behavioral tests, including the open field test, rotarod test, elevated plus maze (EPM), passive avoidance test (PAT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swim test (FST), were conducted 1 h after the oral administration of EJFE at different doses (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) and CGA (30 mg/kg). High-dose EJFE and CGA significantly alleviated CORT-induced depressive-like behaviors, as indicated by the reduced immobility times in the TST and FST. A decrease in the step-through latency time in the PAT, without an effect on locomotor activity, suggested an improvement in cognitive function. Moreover, EJFE- and CGA-treated mice exhibited significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the EPM. Our results imply the promising potential of EJFE containing CGA as a therapeutic candidate for depression.

Naringenin and apigenin ameliorates corticosterone-induced depressive behaviors

Background

Depression is a common kind of mental illness, and it becomes the main health burden in the world.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidepressant effects of naringin and apigenin isolated from Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramatis.

Methods

Firstly, 20 mg/kg corticosterone (CORT) was injected into mice to establish an in vivo model of depression. After treated with different dosages of naringenin and apigenin for 3 weeks, the mice underwent a series of behavioral experiments. Following this, all mice were sacrificed and biochemical analyses were performed. Subsequently, CORT (500 μM) induced PC12 cells was used as an in vitro model of depression, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 μg ml^-1) induced N9 microglia cells was used as an in vitro model of neuroinflammation in N9 microglia cells, to investigate the neuroprotective mechanisms of naringenin and apigenin.

Results

Results showed that the naringenin and apigenin treatment ameliorated CORT-induced sucrose preference decrease and immobility time increase, elevated the 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) levels, and enhanced the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expressions in the hippocampus. The results showed that the naringenin and apigenin treatment improved the PC-12 cell viability through reducing apoptosis rate induced by CORT. Furthermore, naringenin and apigenin were able to inhibit the activation of N9 cells after LPS induction, and shift microglia from proinflammatory M1 microglia toward anti-inflammatory M2 microglia, as evidenced by the decreased ratio of M1 type microglia marker CD86 and M2 type microglia marker CD86.

Conclusion

These results suggested that naringenin and apigenin may improve depressive behaviors through promoting BDNF and inhibiting neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis.

Fermented Perilla frutescens Ameliorates Depression-like Behavior in Sleep-Deprivation-Induced Stress Model

Excessive stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of mood disorders such as depression. Fermented natural products have recently attracted attention because of their health benefits. We evaluated the antidepressant-like efficacy of fermented Perilla frutescens (FPF), and its underlying mechanisms, in sleep deprivation (SD)-induced stress mice. SD-stressed mice revealed a remarkable increase in the immobility time in both forced swimming test and tail suspension test; this increase was ameliorated by treatment with FPF at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg. FPF treatment also reduced the level of stress hormones such as corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone. Additionally, FPF increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine which were significantly decreased in the brain tissues of SD-stressed mice. The increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL1β, and the decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the stressed mice were significantly reversed by FPF treatment. Furthermore, FPF also increased phosphorylation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Among the six components isolated from FPF, protocatechuic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects, suggesting that they are major active components. These findings suggest that FPF has therapeutic potential for SD-induced stress, by correcting dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and modulating the BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB signaling pathway.

Possible Effects and Mechanisms of Dietary Natural Products and Nutrients on Depression and Anxiety: A Narrative Review

Depression and anxiety are severe public health problems and have attracted more and more attention from researchers of food science and nutrition. Dietary natural products and nutrients, such as fish, coffee, tea, n-3 PUFA, lycopene, and dietary fiber, could play a vital role in the prevention and management of these diseases. The potential mechanisms of action mainly include inhibiting inflammation, ameliorating oxidative stress, modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis, suppressing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity, and regulating the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters. In this narrative review, we summarize the most recent advancements regarding the effects of dietary natural products and nutrients on depression and anxiety, and their underlying mechanisms are discussed. We hope that this paper can provide a better understanding of the anti-depressive and anxiolytic action of dietary natural products, and that it is also helpful for developing dietary natural products for functional food, dietary supplements, or auxiliary agents for the prevention and management of these diseases.

Effect of chronic stress on tumorigenesis and development

Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to aggravates tumorigenesis and development. Although the importance of SNS and HPA in maintaining homeostasis has already attracted much attention, there is still a lot remained unknown about the molecular mechanisms by which chronic stress influence the occurrence and development of tumor. While some researches have already concluded the mechanisms underlying the effect of chronic stress on tumor, complicated processes of tumor progression resulted in effects of chronic stress on various stages of tumor remains elusive. In this reviews we concluded recent research progresses of chronic stress and its effects on premalignancy, tumorigenesis and tumor development, we comprehensively summarized the molecular mechanisms in between. And we highlight the available treatments and potential therapies for stressed patients with tumor.

Effect of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Extract on Caffeine-Induced Sleep Disruption and Excitation in Mice

Sleep is one of the most essential factors required to maintain good health. However, the global prevalence of insomnia is increasing, and caffeine intake is a major trigger. The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of black pepper, Piper nigrum extract (PE), on caffeine-induced sleep disruption and excitation in mice. Caffeine significantly decreased sleep duration in the pentobarbital-induced sleep test. It also resulted in a significant increase in sleep onset and a decrease in non-rapid eye movement sleep. Moreover, in an open-field test, caffeine-treated mice exhibited a significantly increased time in the center zone and total distance traveled. However, the co-administration of caffeine and PE did not result in similar arousal activities. Thus, our results suggest that PE can be used as a potential therapeutic agent to treat sleep problems and excitatory status associated with caffeine intake.

Pedicularis resupinata Extract Prevents Depressive-like Behavior in Repeated Corticosterone-Induced Depression in Mice: A Preliminary Study

Excessive corticosterone (CORT), resulting from a dysregulated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, is associated with cognitive impairment and behavioral changes, including depression. In Korean oriental medicine, Pedicularis resupinata is used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, the antidepressant properties of P. resupinata have not been well characterized. Here, the antidepressant-like effects of P. resupinata extract (PRE) were evaluated in terms of CORT-induced depression using in vivo models. HPLC confirmed that acteoside, a phenylethanoid glycoside, was the main compound from PRE. Male ICR mice (8 weeks old) were injected with CORT (40 mg/kg, i.p.) and orally administered PRE daily (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) for 21 consecutive days. Depressive-like behaviors were evaluated using the open-field test, sucrose preference test, passive avoidance test, tail suspension test, and forced swim test. Treatment with a high dose of PRE significantly alleviated CORT-induced, depressive-like behaviors in mice. Additionally, repeated CORT injection markedly reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, whereas total glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and GR phosphorylation at serine 211 were significantly increased in the mice hippocampus but improved by PRE treatment. Thus, our findings suggest that PRE has potential antidepressant-like effects in CORT-induced, depressive-like behavior in mice.

Antidepressant effect of catalpol on corticosterone-induced depressive-like behavior involves the inhibition of HPA axis hyperactivity, central inflammation and oxidative damage probably via dual regulation of NF-κB and Nrf2

This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect and mechanism of catalpol on corticosterone (CORT)-induced depressive-like behavior in mice for the first time. As a result, CORT injection induced depressive-like behaviors of mice in behavioral tests, aggravated the serum CORT, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and corticotropin-releasing hormone levels, and conspicuously elevated the phosphorylations of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, and down-regulated the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, CORT exposure dramatically augmented the levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide synthase, and nitric oxide) and lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde, and attenuated the levels of antioxidants including reduced glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, total superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase-1 in the mouse hippocampus and frontal cortex. On the contrary, catalpol administration markedly suppressed the abnormalities of the above indicators. From the overall results, this study displayed that catalpol exerted a beneficial effect on CORT-induced depressive-like behavior in mice possibly via the inhibition of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity, central inflammation and oxidative damage at least partially through dual regulation of NF-κB and Nrf2.

Effects of different drying methods on the chemical constituents of Lilium lancifolium Thunb. based on UHPLC-MS analysis and antidepressant activity of the main chemical component regaloside A

The Lilium lancifolium Thunb. is a herb with multiple functions in both medicine and food in China, and its extracts have shown antidepressant effects. In this study, fresh bulbs of Lilium lancifolium Thunb. were processed to study the effects of different drying processes on changes in its main chemical components. We found that different drying methods can affect the chemical constituents of the herb. Among these components, Regaloside A has been found as the characteristic component. Here, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and Western blotting were used to evaluate the neuroprotective antidepressant effects of Regaloside A. The results showed the cell survival rate was improved, the phosphorylation levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tyrosine kinase receptor B, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase, protein kinase B, and mammalian target of rapamycin were increased after Regaloside A treatment. In general, different drying methods have a significant influence on the chemical composition of the herb, and Regaloside A may be the main chemical component of the herb. It can alleviate the damage of corticosterone in SH-SY5Y cells, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B may play an important role in the neuroprotective antidepressant effects of Regaloside A.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Asian Fawn Lily (Erythronium japonicum) Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice

Neuroinflammation is associated with an increased risk of depression. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment is known to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and a depressive-like phenotype in mice. Although Erythronium japonicum exhibits various health benefits, the role of E. japonicum extract (EJE) in inflammation-associated depression is unknown. This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effect of EJE on LPS-induced depressive symptoms in mice using the open field test (OFT), passive avoidance test (PAT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swim test (FST). LPS-treated mice had significantly increased immobility time in the TST and FST, decreased step-through latency time in the PAT, and decreased locomotor activity in the OFT. However, administration of 100 and 300 mg/kg of EJE significantly improved these depressive-like behaviors. EJE also prevented the increase in mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and the decrease in IL-10 levels by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunit p65 phosphorylation. Additionally, LPS-treated mice showed markedly decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt, while EJE treatment significantly increased these levels in the hippocampus. These results suggest that EJE ameliorated LPS-induced depressive-like behavior by reducing LPS-induced neuroinflammation and activating the BDNF-PI3K/Akt pathway.

Protection of the Geum japonicum Thunb. var. chinense extracts against oxygen-glucose deprivation and re-oxygenation induced astrocytes injury via BDNF/PI3K/Akt/CREB pathway

Geum japonicum Tunb. var. chinense (GJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine usually used for the alleviation of dizziness and headache. Previous studies have reported that the GJ extracts could alleviate cerebral I/R injury by reducing apoptosis in vivo. To further elucidate the positive role and underlying mechanism of the GJ extracts in cerebral I/R injury, the current study investigated the effects of the GJ extracts on oxygen-glucose deprivation and re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced astrocytes injury in light of BDNF/PI3K/Akt/CREB signaling pathway with seropharmacological method. In the present study, the LC-MS profiling of the GJ extracts, obtain by reflux extraction, led to the identification of three possible active components were 5-desgalloylstachyurin, tellimagrandin II (TG II) and 3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzaldehyde (THBA). Drug-containing serum was collected from rats given different doses of the GJ extracts (0, 1.75 g/kg, 7 g/kg). Data indicated that the GJ extracts could increase the cell viability and decrease apoptosis and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in OGD/R-induced astrocytes. In addition, the detection of apoptosis-related factors showed that the GJ extracts could obviously increase the expression of Bcl-2 and reduce the expression of Bax, Caspase-3 and cleaved-Caspase-3. Furthermore, the GJ extracts markedly increased the expression of BDNF, TrkB, PI3K, p-Akt and p-CREB. All these effects of the GJ extracts could be significantly reversed by LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K. These data indicated that the GJ extracts could protect astrocytes against OGD/R-induced injury by inhibiting astrocytes reactivity and apoptosis, owing to the activation of the BDNF/PI3K/Akt/CREB pathway. The results support the application of the GJ extracts in the treatment of ischemic stroke and other ischemic encephalopathy.