Objective:To evaluate the effects of Wuhua herbal tea on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression and explore its mechanism of action in combating depression.Methods:We tested the antidepressant effe...Objective:To evaluate the effects of Wuhua herbal tea on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression and explore its mechanism of action in combating depression.Methods:We tested the antidepressant effects of Wuhua herbal tea in a rat model of CUMS-induced depression using fluoxetine as a positive control.The rats were divided into four groups:control group,model group,fluoxetine group,and Wuhua herbal tea group.The rats underwent body weight measurements,sucrose preference test,and open-field test.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect the serum levels of serotonin,dopamine,adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),corticosterone,norepinephrine,and interleukin-6.Intergroup comparisons and detection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),cAMP-response element binding protein(CREB),Janus kinase 2(JAK2),and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)mRNA expression in the hippocampus were performed using RTPCR.Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the expression of phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2)and phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3)proteins in hippocampal paraffin sections of CUMS rats.Results:Compared with the control group,the model group rats had depressive tendencies,exhibiting low vitality and interest in various behavioral indicators which were signs of despair.The Wuhua herbal tea group statistically increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the serum of CUMS rats to varying degrees(P=.015 and P=.002);reduced serum levels of ACTH,corticosterone,norepinephrine,and interleukin-6(all P<.05);and decreased mRNA expression of BDNF,CREB,JAK2,and STAT3 in the hippocampus(all P<.05);and decreased p-STAT3 protein levels(P=.006).Conclusion:Wuhua herbal tea shows antidepressant potential in CUMS rats by modulating the HPA axis and inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 overactivation,alleviating neuroinflammation.It also restores BDNF-CREB pathway function,reducing depressive symptoms.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanisms of LW-AFC,a new formula derived fromLiuwei Dihuang decoction,on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced mood and cogni.tion impairment in mice.METHODS C57 BL/6 J ...OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanisms of LW-AFC,a new formula derived fromLiuwei Dihuang decoction,on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced mood and cogni.tion impairment in mice.METHODS C57 BL/6 J mice were randomly placed into seven groups(n=10):normal control group,CUMS group,Fluoxetine(10 mg·kg^(-1),once per day) group,Liuwei Dihuang decoction group(LW,10 g·kg^(-1),once per day),and LW-AFC(0.8 g·kg^(-1),1.6 g·kg^(-1),3.2 g·kg^(-1),once per day) group.The stressed group was given CUMS for 4 weeks to set up a chronic multiple-stressed model.LW and LW-AFC was oral administered a week prior to CUMS and until the end of the study(a total of 35 d),while fluoxetine was administrated orally for 4 weeks.The anxiety behavior was analyzed using the open field test(OFT) and elevated plus maze test(EPM).The depression behavior was ana.lyzed using the sucrose preference test(SPT) and forced swimming test(FST).Spatial cognition was evaluated using Morris water maze(MWM) test and working memory was evaluated using new object recognition test(NORT).RESULTS CUMS for 28 d increased depressive-and anxiety-like behaviors.LW-AFC(1.6 g·kg^(-1)) significantly increased the numbers of entries into the open arm and time in the open arm of CUMS mice(P<0.05).LW-AFC(3.2 g·kg^(-1)) increased sucrose consumption and de.creased the immobility time of FST(P<0.01) of CUMS mice.The MWM test showed that spatial learning andmemory in CUMS mice were remarkably affected relative to controls,whereas LW-AFC(3.2 g·kg^(-1)) im.proves cognitive functions(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The mood and theability of learning and memory of thestressed group can be affected after exposure to CUS.Oral administration of LW-AFC significant.ly improved CUMS-induced impairments of mood and cognition in mice.展开更多
Objective Corticotropin-releasing hormone（CRH）plays an important role in neuroendocrine,autonomic and behavioral responses to stressors.In the present study,the effect of chronic unpredictable mild stress（CUMS）on ...Objective Corticotropin-releasing hormone（CRH）plays an important role in neuroendocrine,autonomic and behavioral responses to stressors.In the present study,the effect of chronic unpredictable mild stress（CUMS）on CRH neurons was investigated in rat brain.Methods The rats were exposed to one of the stressors each day for 21 d.Immunostaining was performed to detect the CRH-positive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus（PVN）of the hypothalamus and in amygdala.Results After the stress protocol,the animals showed a reduction in body weight gain as well as reduced sucrose preference and locomotor activity.Interestingly,the CRH neurons in both PVN and central nucleus of the amygdala（CeA）were stimulated by CUMS.The densities of CRH-containing neurons in both PVN and CeA were significantly higher than those in control group.Conclusion The CRH systems in PVN and CeA may both contribute to depression-like behaviors during CUMS.展开更多
The depression-like behavior phenotype,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and miR-124 expression in the hippocampus are the focus of current research on the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant therapy.The pre...The depression-like behavior phenotype,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and miR-124 expression in the hippocampus are the focus of current research on the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant therapy.The present study aimed to clarify the dynamic changes of depression-like behavior,dentate gyrus neurogenesis and hippocampal miR-124 expression during depression induced by chronic stress to reveal pathological features at different stages of depression and to further provide insight into depression treatment.Chronic unpredictable mild stress depression models were established by exposing Sprague-Dawley rats to various mild stressors,including white noise,thermal swimming,stroboscopic illumination,soiled cages,pairing with three other stressed animals,cold swimming,tail pinch,restraint and water and food deprivation.Chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats underwent dynamic observation from 1 to 8 weeks and were compared with a control group(normal feeding without any stressors).To observe changes in the depression-like behavior phenotype during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,a sucrose preference test was used to evaluate the degree of anhedonia.An open-field test was used to evaluate locomotor activity and anxiety status.Compared with the control group,chronic unpredictable mild stress rats lost weight but did not have a depression-like behavioral phenotype at 1-4 weeks.Chronic unpredictable mild stress rats presented decreased sucrose preference and locomotor activity at 5-8 weeks.In addition,chronic unpredictable mild stress rats did not have significant anxiety-like behavior during 1-8 weeks of modeling.To observe neurogenesis dysfunctions and changes in neuronal number in the dentate gyrus during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,markers(DCX and DCX/BrdU)of neural proliferation and differentiation and the neuronal marker NeuN were assessed by immunofluorescence.Compared with the control group,neurogenesis and the neuronal number in the dentate gyrus did not change from 2 to 6 weeks;however,neural proliferation and differentiation in the dentate gyrus decreased,and the number of neurons decreased until the eighth week in the chronic unpredictable mild stress group.Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to measure the expression of hippocampal miR-124 during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression.The results showed that the expression of hippocampal miR-124 was unchanged during the first 4 weeks but increased from 5 to 6 weeks and decreased from 7 to 8 weeks compared with the control group.These findings indicate that during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,the behavioral phenotype,miR-124 expression in the hippocampus,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and neuronal numbers showed dynamic changes,which suggested that various pathological changes occur at different stages of depression.All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine of China in March 2015.展开更多
Perilla frutescens(Perilla leaf), a garnishing vegetable in East Asian countries, as well as a plant-based medicine, has been used for centuries to treat various conditions, including depression. Several studies have ...Perilla frutescens(Perilla leaf), a garnishing vegetable in East Asian countries, as well as a plant-based medicine, has been used for centuries to treat various conditions, including depression. Several studies have demonstrated that the essential oil of P. frutescens(EOPF) attenuated the depressive-like behavior in mice. The present study was designed to test the anti-depressant effects of EOPF and the possible mechanisms in an chronic, unpredictable, mild stress(CUMS)-induced mouse model. With the exposure to stressor once daily for five consecutive weeks, EOPF(3, 6, and 9 mg·kg-1) and a positive control drug fluoxetine(20 mg·kg-1) were administered through gastric intubation to mice once daily for three consecutive weeks from the 3rd week. Open-field test, sucrose consumption test, tail suspension test(TST), and forced swimming test(FST) were used to evaluate the behavioral activity. The contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid(5-HIAA), in mouse hippocampus were determined by HPLC–ECD. Serum interleukin(IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The results showed that CUMS significantly decreased the levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the hippocampus, with an increase in plasma IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels. CUMS also reduced open-field activity, sucrose consumption, as well as increased immobility duration in FST and TST. EOPF administration could effectively reverse the alterations in the concentrations of 5-HT and 5-HIAA; reduce the IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels. Moreover, EOPF could effectively reverse alterations in immobility duration, sucrose consumption, and open-field activity. However, the effect was not dose-dependent. In conclusion, EOPF administration exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects in mice with CUMS-induced depression. The antidepressant activity of EOPF might be related to the relation between alteration of serotonergic responses and anti-inflammatory effects.展开更多
In recent years, more attention has been paid to the role of the glutamate transporter 1 （GLT-1, EAAT2） in major depressive disorder （MDD）. However, experimental data on brain GLT-1 levels are, to some extent, inc...In recent years, more attention has been paid to the role of the glutamate transporter 1 （GLT-1, EAAT2） in major depressive disorder （MDD）. However, experimental data on brain GLT-1 levels are, to some extent, inconsistent in human postmortem and animal studies, These discrepancies imply that the role of GLT-1 in the pathophysiology of MDD and the action of antidepressants remain obscure. This work was designed to study the impact of chronic unpredictable stress （CUS） for 2 ses- sions per day for 35 days and four weeks of fluoxetine （FLX） on depressive-like behaviors in rats, as well as the concomitant expression of the GLT-1 protein in the hippocampus. Behavioral changes were assessed by the sucrose preference and open field tests. GLT-1 levels were detected by immunohisto- chemistry and Western blot analysis. Our study demonstrated that the animals exposed to CUS showed depressive-like behaviors and exhibited a significant decrease in GLT-1 expression in the hippocampus. Chronic FLX treatment reversed the behavioral deficits and the CUS-induced decrease in GLT-1 levels. Taken together, our results support the reduction of GLT-1 in human postmortem studies in MDD and suggest that GLT-1 may be involved in the antidepressant activity of FLX. Our studies further support the notion that GLT-1 is an attractive candidate molecule associated with the fundamental processes of MDD and may be a potential, and novel pharmacological target for the treatment of MDD.展开更多
Background:The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model has long been considered the best model for exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depression.However,there are no widely recognised standard...Background:The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model has long been considered the best model for exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depression.However,there are no widely recognised standards for strategies for modeling and for behavioral testing.The present study aimed to optimize the protocols for food deprivation and the sucrose preference test(SPT)for the CUMS model.Methods:We first evaluated the effects of different long periods of food deprivation on the body weight of Sprague Dawley(SD)rats by testing food deprivation for 24 hours(8:00-8:00^+),food deprivation for 12 hours during the daytime(8:00-20:00)and food deprivation for 12 hours at night(20:00-8:00^+).Next,we established a SD rat CUMS model with 15 different stimulations,and used body weight measurement,SPT,forced swim test(FST),open field test(OFT)and Morris water maze(MWM)test to verify the success of the modeling.In the SPT,consumption of sucrose and pure water within 1 and 12 hours was measured.Results:Twelve hours of food deprivation during the daytime(8:00-20:00)had no effect on body weight,while 12 hours of food deprivation at night(20:00-8:00^+)and 24 hours of food deprivation(8:00-8:00^+)significantly reduced the mean body weight of the SD rats.When SPT was used to verify the successful establishment of the CUMS rat model,sucrose consumption measured within 12 hours was less variable than that measured within 1 hour.Conclusions:Twelve hours of food deprivation in the daytime(8:00-20:00)may be considered a mild stimulus for the establishment of a CUMS rat model.Measuring sucrose consumption over 12 hours is recommended for SPT.展开更多
Objective To investigate the antidepressant effects of Yuanzhi(Polygalae Radix;PR)aqueous extract on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression rat models and the underlying mechanisms.Methods A total ...Objective To investigate the antidepressant effects of Yuanzhi(Polygalae Radix;PR)aqueous extract on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression rat models and the underlying mechanisms.Methods A total of 40 male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into control;model;low dose of PR(PR-L;0.5 g/kg);high dose of PR(PR-H;1 g/kg);and fluoxetine(10 mg/kg)groups;with 8 rats in each group.Except for the rats in control group;those in the other four groups underwent CUMS-induced depression modeling.PR and fluoxetine were administered intragastrically once daily;30 min prior to the CUMS procedure;for 14 consecu-tive days until the behavioral tests were performed.After CUMS modeling;the sucrose prefer-ence test(SPT);open field test(OFT);novelty-suppressed feeding test(NSFT);forced swim test(FST);and tail suspension test(TST)were employed to assess the pharmacological ef-fects of PR on the mitigation of depressive-like behaviors in rat models.Additionally;the en-zyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was utilized to quantify the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α;interleukin(IL)-6;and IL-1βin the rats.Western blot analysis was al-so conducted to evaluate the protein expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB);in-ducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS);cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2);nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3);apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase recruitment domain(ASC);and caspase-1 in the hippocampal tissues of the rats.Immunofluorescence staining was per-formed to observe the morphological changes in ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 positive(Iba-1+)cells in the dentate gyrus(DG)of rats with CUMS-induced depression.Results(i)Treatment with PR-H and fluoxetine resulted in significant enhancements in both the total distance and time the rats moved during tests(P<0.01 and P<0.05;respectively).Post-administration of PR-H and fluoxetine also led to statistically significant increase in su-crose preference among rats(P<0.05).Besides;PR-L;PR-H;and fluoxetine treatment markedly decreased the latency of ingestion(P<0.05;P<0.05;and P<0.01;respectively).As observed from the FST;PR-L;PR-H;and fluoxetine presented antidepressant effects on rats with CUMS-induced depression;leading to the reduction in time of their immobility(P<0.05;P<0.01;and P<0.01;respectively).The results of TST indicated reduced immobility time in rats receiving PR-H and fluoxetine treatment as well(P<0.01).(ii)Rats in model group showed an increase in the levels of Iba-1+microglia in their left and right brains in compari-son with control group(P<0.01).However;such increase was negated post PR treatment(P<0.01).Treatment with PR-L;PR-H;and fluoxetine considerably reduced the levels of inflam-matory factors(TNF-α;IL-1β;and IL-6;P<0.01).In addition;treatment of PR-L and PR-H ef-fectively counteracted the elevated levels of NLRP3;ASC;and caspase-1;and markedly down-regulated the expression levels of phosphorylated p65(p-p65);COX-2;and iNOS in rats’hip-pocampus(P<0.01).Conclusion Collectively;these findings indicate that PR exerts an antidepressant effect on rats with CUMS-induced depression partially through the modulation of the NLRP3 and NF-κB signaling pathways.展开更多
Background: Depression is a typical psychosomatic disease. Shuganheweitang (SGHWT) is a clinical formula that effectively treats depression. However, the potential mechanism used by SGHWT to ameliorate depression-like...Background: Depression is a typical psychosomatic disease. Shuganheweitang (SGHWT) is a clinical formula that effectively treats depression. However, the potential mechanism used by SGHWT to ameliorate depression-like behaviors is still unclear. This study investigated the effects of SGHWT on metabolic change in the liver and hypothalamus with signaling pathways involved in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in rats to explore the mechanism of the anti-depressive effect. Methods: A total of 52 rats were used to create a model of depression by CUMS combined with solitary rearing for 6 weeks. Open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swim test (FST), and body weight (BW) were performed to analyze the pharmacodynamic effects of SGHWT. H&E staining, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and western blot were used to evaluate the mechanism of action. Untargeted metabolomics techniques by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quantitative time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) were used to analyze all the metabolic differences in the liver and hypothalamus. Results: SGHWT improved CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors in vivo. SGHWT reduced hepatic c-Fos protein expression and increased hypothalamic c-Fos protein expression. Moreover, p-PI3K, p-AKT473, p-AKT308, and p-mTOR protein expressions were significantly downregulated in the liver and hypothalamus of CUMS rats. Notably, these alterations were reversed by the SGHWT administration. Furthermore, the metabolomic analysis identified 15 and 5 key differential SPT-associated metabolites in the liver and hypothalamus, respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that SGHWT ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behaviors, by the involvement of amino acids, glycerophospholipids, energy metabolism, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Highlights: 1) Shuganheweitang was derived from the TCM herbal formula Sinisan. 2) SGHWT treatment reverses depression-like behaviors in CUMS-induced rats. 3) The mechanism of SGHWT on depression by the liver and hypothalamus metabolomics. 4) SGHWT regulates amino acids, glycerophospholipids, and energy metabolism. 5) SGHWT exerts antidepressant effects through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.展开更多
The ability of an organism to adapt to aversive stressful situations or life challenging circumstances is very crucial to its state of health and survival. However, breakdown in adaptation due to persistent uncontroll...The ability of an organism to adapt to aversive stressful situations or life challenging circumstances is very crucial to its state of health and survival. However, breakdown in adaptation due to persistent uncontrollable stress, leads to impairment of bodily functions and onset of a variety of pathological disorders especially memory decline. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Jobelyn®(JB), a potent antioxidant sorghum-based food supplement on unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-induced memory impairment in mice. Male Swiss mice were given JB (5 - 50 mg/kg, p.o) 30 min prior to exposure to UCMS for 14 consecutive days before testing for memory. Thereafter, the serum corticosterone level was estimated by using ELISA kits. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) as well as acetylcholinesterase activity were estimated in the brain homogenate using spectrophotometer. Histology of the brain tissues and estimation of the populations of viable neurons in the hippocampal region were done after staining with hematoxyline and eosin. Our results showed that JB reversed memory impairment and suppressed corticosterone concentrations induced by UCMS. Moreover, JB reduced oxidative stress in the brain of UCMS-mice as shown by decreased MDA levels and elevated GSH concentrations. It also decreased brain acetylcholinesterase activity when compared with chronic stress group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, JB (5 - 10 mg/kg, p.o) offered significant protection against UCMS-induced degeneration and death of neuronal cells of the cornu ammonis 3 (CA3) of the hippocampal region of the brain indicating neuroprotection. Taken together, these findings suggest that JB attenuates memory deficits induced by UCMS in mice and may be useful therapeutically for stress-related cognitive dysfunctions. The reduction in the levels of serum corticosterone, antioxidation, neuroprotection and inhibition of cholinesterase enzyme might be contributing significantly to the positive effect of JB on memory in mice exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress.展开更多
The impact of various vitamin D3(VD3)doses(1.0,2.5,or 5 mg/kg,s.c.)in mitigating the negative consequences of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)was investigated.Adult female rats with long-term estrogen deficienc...The impact of various vitamin D3(VD3)doses(1.0,2.5,or 5 mg/kg,s.c.)in mitigating the negative consequences of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)was investigated.Adult female rats with long-term estrogen deficiency were assessed using the sucrose preference test(SPT),the elevated plus-maze(EPM),the light/dark test(LDT),and the open-field test(OFT)to measure anhedonia-like and anxiety-like behavior.The corticosterone(CS)and adrenocorticotrophic hormone(ACTH)concentrations in blood serum and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)expression in the hippocampus of long-term ovariectomized(OVX)rats were measured by ELISA kits and/or western blotting.Treatment with VD3(5.0 mg/kg),similarly to fluoxetine(10.0 mg/kg),significantly reduced the anhedonia profile in the SPT and anxiety-like behavior in the EPM and LDT,and CS and ACTH levels in blood serum.It also elevated BDNF levels in the hippocampus of long-term OVX/CUMS compared to OVX/CUMS/solvent rats.Thus,these findings suggest that VD3(5.0 mg/kg)administration might attenuate the anxiety-like profile in long-term OVX adult rats subjected to the CUMS.This might occur via activation of the BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus and via restoration of CS and ACTH levels in blood serum.展开更多
Objectives To determine the pharmacological impact of hesperidin,the main component of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,on depressive behavior and elucidate the mechanism by which hesperidin treats depression,focusing on...Objectives To determine the pharmacological impact of hesperidin,the main component of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,on depressive behavior and elucidate the mechanism by which hesperidin treats depression,focusing on the gut-brain axis.Methods Fifty-four Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly allocated to 6 groups using a random number table,including control,model,hesperidin,probiotics,fluoxetine,and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium groups.Except for the control group,rats in the remaining 5 groups were challenged with chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)for 21 days and housed in single cages.The sucrose preference test(SPT),immobility time in the forced swim test(FST),and number in the open field test(OFT)were performed to measure the behavioral changes in the rats.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in brain tissue,and the histopathology was performed to evaluate the changes of colon tissue,together with sequencing of the V3–V4 regions of 16S rRNA gene on feces to explore the changes of intestinal flora in the rats.Results Compared to the control group,the rats in the model group showed notable reductions in body weight,SPF,and number in OFT(P<0.01).Hesperidin was found to ameliorate depression induced by CUMS,as seen by improvements in body weight,SPT,immobility time in FST,and number in OFT(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Regarding neurotransmitters,it was found that at a dose of 50 mg/kg hesperidin treatment upregulated the levels of 5-HT and BDNF in depressed rats(P<0.05).Compared to the control group,the colon tissue of the model group exhibited greater inflammatory cell infiltration,with markedly reduced numbers of goblet cells and crypts and were significantly improved following treatment with hesperidin.Simultaneously,the administration of hesperidin demonstrated a positive impact on the gut microbiome of rats treated with CUMS,such as Shannon index increased and Simpson index decreased(P<0.01),while the abundance of Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota increased in the hesperidin-treated group(P<0.05).Conclusion The mechanism responsible for the beneficial effects of hesperidin on depressive behavior in rats may be related to inhibition of the expressions of BDNF and 5-HT and preservation of the gut microbiota.展开更多
Adult BALB/c mice, individually housed, were stimulated with nine different stressors, arranged randomly, for 4 continuous weeks to generate an animal model of chronic stress. In chronically stressed mice, spontaneous...Adult BALB/c mice, individually housed, were stimulated with nine different stressors, arranged randomly, for 4 continuous weeks to generate an animal model of chronic stress. In chronically stressed mice, spontaneous locomotor activity was significantly decreased, escape latency in the Morris water maze test was prolonged, serum levels of total thyrotropin and total triiodothyronine were significantly decreased, and dopamine and norepinephrine content in the pallium, hippocampus and hypothalamus were significantly reduced. All of these changes were suppressed, to varying degrees, by L-tyrosine supplementation. These findings indicate that the neuroendocrine network plays an important role in chronic stress, and that L-tyrosine supplementation has therapeutic effects.展开更多
Objective:Although the protective effects of Momordica charantia L.(MC)extract on chemical-induced testicular damage have been studied,the preventive effects of MC extract on functional proteins in the epididymis unde...Objective:Although the protective effects of Momordica charantia L.(MC)extract on chemical-induced testicular damage have been studied,the preventive effects of MC extract on functional proteins in the epididymis under chronic stress have never been reported.This study investigated the protective effects of MC fruit extract on protein secretion,especially tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins,in the epididymis of rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress(CUS).Methods:Total phenolic compounds(TPC),total flavonoid compounds(TFC)and antioxidant capacities of MC extract were measured.Adult male rats were divided into 4 groups:control group,CUS group,and 2groups of CUS that received different doses of MC extract(40 or 80 mg/kg).In treated groups,rats were given MC daily,followed by induction of CUS(1 stressor was randomly applied from a battery of 9 potential stressors)for 60 consecutive days.Plasma corticosterone and testosterone levels were analyzed after the end of experiment.Expressions of heat-shock protein 70(HSP-70)and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins present in the fluid of the head and tail of the epididymis were quantified using Western blot.Results:MC extract contained TPC of(19.005±0.270)mg gallic acid equivalents and TFC of(0.306±0.012)mg catechin equivalents per gram,and had 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antioxidant capacity of(4.985±0.086)mg trolox equivalents per gram,radical 50%inhibitory concentration of(2.011±0.008)mg/mL and ferric reducing antioxidant power of(23.697±0.819)μmol Fe(Ⅱ)per gram.Testosterone level in the epididymis was significantly increased,while the corticosterone level was significantly improved in groups treated with MC extract,compared to the CUS animals.Particularly,an 80 mg/kg dose of MC extract prevented the impairments of HSP-70 and tyrosine-phosphorylated protein expressions in the luminal fluid of the epididymis of CUS rats.Conclusion:MC fruit extract had antioxidant activities and improved the functional proteins secreted from the head and tail of the epididymis.It is possible to develop the MC fruit extract as a male fertility supplement for enhancing functional sperm maturation in stressed men.展开更多
基金supported by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention of Metabolic Diseases Research Project(90020165120003)the Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of the Ministry of Education(2024-JYB-KYPT-002).
文摘Objective:To evaluate the effects of Wuhua herbal tea on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression and explore its mechanism of action in combating depression.Methods:We tested the antidepressant effects of Wuhua herbal tea in a rat model of CUMS-induced depression using fluoxetine as a positive control.The rats were divided into four groups:control group,model group,fluoxetine group,and Wuhua herbal tea group.The rats underwent body weight measurements,sucrose preference test,and open-field test.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect the serum levels of serotonin,dopamine,adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),corticosterone,norepinephrine,and interleukin-6.Intergroup comparisons and detection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),cAMP-response element binding protein(CREB),Janus kinase 2(JAK2),and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)mRNA expression in the hippocampus were performed using RTPCR.Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the expression of phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2)and phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3)proteins in hippocampal paraffin sections of CUMS rats.Results:Compared with the control group,the model group rats had depressive tendencies,exhibiting low vitality and interest in various behavioral indicators which were signs of despair.The Wuhua herbal tea group statistically increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the serum of CUMS rats to varying degrees(P=.015 and P=.002);reduced serum levels of ACTH,corticosterone,norepinephrine,and interleukin-6(all P<.05);and decreased mRNA expression of BDNF,CREB,JAK2,and STAT3 in the hippocampus(all P<.05);and decreased p-STAT3 protein levels(P=.006).Conclusion:Wuhua herbal tea shows antidepressant potential in CUMS rats by modulating the HPA axis and inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 overactivation,alleviating neuroinflammation.It also restores BDNF-CREB pathway function,reducing depressive symptoms.
文摘OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanisms of LW-AFC,a new formula derived fromLiuwei Dihuang decoction,on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced mood and cogni.tion impairment in mice.METHODS C57 BL/6 J mice were randomly placed into seven groups(n=10):normal control group,CUMS group,Fluoxetine(10 mg·kg^(-1),once per day) group,Liuwei Dihuang decoction group(LW,10 g·kg^(-1),once per day),and LW-AFC(0.8 g·kg^(-1),1.6 g·kg^(-1),3.2 g·kg^(-1),once per day) group.The stressed group was given CUMS for 4 weeks to set up a chronic multiple-stressed model.LW and LW-AFC was oral administered a week prior to CUMS and until the end of the study(a total of 35 d),while fluoxetine was administrated orally for 4 weeks.The anxiety behavior was analyzed using the open field test(OFT) and elevated plus maze test(EPM).The depression behavior was ana.lyzed using the sucrose preference test(SPT) and forced swimming test(FST).Spatial cognition was evaluated using Morris water maze(MWM) test and working memory was evaluated using new object recognition test(NORT).RESULTS CUMS for 28 d increased depressive-and anxiety-like behaviors.LW-AFC(1.6 g·kg^(-1)) significantly increased the numbers of entries into the open arm and time in the open arm of CUMS mice(P<0.05).LW-AFC(3.2 g·kg^(-1)) increased sucrose consumption and de.creased the immobility time of FST(P<0.01) of CUMS mice.The MWM test showed that spatial learning andmemory in CUMS mice were remarkably affected relative to controls,whereas LW-AFC(3.2 g·kg^(-1)) im.proves cognitive functions(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The mood and theability of learning and memory of thestressed group can be affected after exposure to CUS.Oral administration of LW-AFC significant.ly improved CUMS-induced impairments of mood and cognition in mice.
文摘Objective Corticotropin-releasing hormone（CRH）plays an important role in neuroendocrine,autonomic and behavioral responses to stressors.In the present study,the effect of chronic unpredictable mild stress（CUMS）on CRH neurons was investigated in rat brain.Methods The rats were exposed to one of the stressors each day for 21 d.Immunostaining was performed to detect the CRH-positive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus（PVN）of the hypothalamus and in amygdala.Results After the stress protocol,the animals showed a reduction in body weight gain as well as reduced sucrose preference and locomotor activity.Interestingly,the CRH neurons in both PVN and central nucleus of the amygdala（CeA）were stimulated by CUMS.The densities of CRH-containing neurons in both PVN and CeA were significantly higher than those in control group.Conclusion The CRH systems in PVN and CeA may both contribute to depression-like behaviors during CUMS.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81573858(to LLW)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province of China,No.2016A030313648(to CY)the Major Basic Research Project of Educational Commission of Guangdong Province of China,No.2017KZDXM020(to CY)
文摘The depression-like behavior phenotype,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and miR-124 expression in the hippocampus are the focus of current research on the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant therapy.The present study aimed to clarify the dynamic changes of depression-like behavior,dentate gyrus neurogenesis and hippocampal miR-124 expression during depression induced by chronic stress to reveal pathological features at different stages of depression and to further provide insight into depression treatment.Chronic unpredictable mild stress depression models were established by exposing Sprague-Dawley rats to various mild stressors,including white noise,thermal swimming,stroboscopic illumination,soiled cages,pairing with three other stressed animals,cold swimming,tail pinch,restraint and water and food deprivation.Chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats underwent dynamic observation from 1 to 8 weeks and were compared with a control group(normal feeding without any stressors).To observe changes in the depression-like behavior phenotype during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,a sucrose preference test was used to evaluate the degree of anhedonia.An open-field test was used to evaluate locomotor activity and anxiety status.Compared with the control group,chronic unpredictable mild stress rats lost weight but did not have a depression-like behavioral phenotype at 1-4 weeks.Chronic unpredictable mild stress rats presented decreased sucrose preference and locomotor activity at 5-8 weeks.In addition,chronic unpredictable mild stress rats did not have significant anxiety-like behavior during 1-8 weeks of modeling.To observe neurogenesis dysfunctions and changes in neuronal number in the dentate gyrus during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,markers(DCX and DCX/BrdU)of neural proliferation and differentiation and the neuronal marker NeuN were assessed by immunofluorescence.Compared with the control group,neurogenesis and the neuronal number in the dentate gyrus did not change from 2 to 6 weeks;however,neural proliferation and differentiation in the dentate gyrus decreased,and the number of neurons decreased until the eighth week in the chronic unpredictable mild stress group.Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to measure the expression of hippocampal miR-124 during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression.The results showed that the expression of hippocampal miR-124 was unchanged during the first 4 weeks but increased from 5 to 6 weeks and decreased from 7 to 8 weeks compared with the control group.These findings indicate that during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression,the behavioral phenotype,miR-124 expression in the hippocampus,neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and neuronal numbers showed dynamic changes,which suggested that various pathological changes occur at different stages of depression.All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine of China in March 2015.
基金supported by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutionsthe Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China(No.BK2011630)
文摘Perilla frutescens(Perilla leaf), a garnishing vegetable in East Asian countries, as well as a plant-based medicine, has been used for centuries to treat various conditions, including depression. Several studies have demonstrated that the essential oil of P. frutescens(EOPF) attenuated the depressive-like behavior in mice. The present study was designed to test the anti-depressant effects of EOPF and the possible mechanisms in an chronic, unpredictable, mild stress(CUMS)-induced mouse model. With the exposure to stressor once daily for five consecutive weeks, EOPF(3, 6, and 9 mg·kg-1) and a positive control drug fluoxetine(20 mg·kg-1) were administered through gastric intubation to mice once daily for three consecutive weeks from the 3rd week. Open-field test, sucrose consumption test, tail suspension test(TST), and forced swimming test(FST) were used to evaluate the behavioral activity. The contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid(5-HIAA), in mouse hippocampus were determined by HPLC–ECD. Serum interleukin(IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The results showed that CUMS significantly decreased the levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the hippocampus, with an increase in plasma IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels. CUMS also reduced open-field activity, sucrose consumption, as well as increased immobility duration in FST and TST. EOPF administration could effectively reverse the alterations in the concentrations of 5-HT and 5-HIAA; reduce the IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels. Moreover, EOPF could effectively reverse alterations in immobility duration, sucrose consumption, and open-field activity. However, the effect was not dose-dependent. In conclusion, EOPF administration exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects in mice with CUMS-induced depression. The antidepressant activity of EOPF might be related to the relation between alteration of serotonergic responses and anti-inflammatory effects.
基金supported by the Key Technology Research of Major Mental Illness Prevention and Treatment for the Barriers to the Recognition and Prevention of Depression and Anxiety in the General Hospital,China(No.2012BAI01B05)
文摘In recent years, more attention has been paid to the role of the glutamate transporter 1 （GLT-1, EAAT2） in major depressive disorder （MDD）. However, experimental data on brain GLT-1 levels are, to some extent, inconsistent in human postmortem and animal studies, These discrepancies imply that the role of GLT-1 in the pathophysiology of MDD and the action of antidepressants remain obscure. This work was designed to study the impact of chronic unpredictable stress （CUS） for 2 ses- sions per day for 35 days and four weeks of fluoxetine （FLX） on depressive-like behaviors in rats, as well as the concomitant expression of the GLT-1 protein in the hippocampus. Behavioral changes were assessed by the sucrose preference and open field tests. GLT-1 levels were detected by immunohisto- chemistry and Western blot analysis. Our study demonstrated that the animals exposed to CUS showed depressive-like behaviors and exhibited a significant decrease in GLT-1 expression in the hippocampus. Chronic FLX treatment reversed the behavioral deficits and the CUS-induced decrease in GLT-1 levels. Taken together, our results support the reduction of GLT-1 in human postmortem studies in MDD and suggest that GLT-1 may be involved in the antidepressant activity of FLX. Our studies further support the notion that GLT-1 is an attractive candidate molecule associated with the fundamental processes of MDD and may be a potential, and novel pharmacological target for the treatment of MDD.
基金This work was supported by Social livelihood projects of Chongqing Science and Technology Bureau(cstc2017shms-zdyfX0048,csts2017shmsA00007).
文摘Background:The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model has long been considered the best model for exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depression.However,there are no widely recognised standards for strategies for modeling and for behavioral testing.The present study aimed to optimize the protocols for food deprivation and the sucrose preference test(SPT)for the CUMS model.Methods:We first evaluated the effects of different long periods of food deprivation on the body weight of Sprague Dawley(SD)rats by testing food deprivation for 24 hours(8:00-8:00^+),food deprivation for 12 hours during the daytime(8:00-20:00)and food deprivation for 12 hours at night(20:00-8:00^+).Next,we established a SD rat CUMS model with 15 different stimulations,and used body weight measurement,SPT,forced swim test(FST),open field test(OFT)and Morris water maze(MWM)test to verify the success of the modeling.In the SPT,consumption of sucrose and pure water within 1 and 12 hours was measured.Results:Twelve hours of food deprivation during the daytime(8:00-20:00)had no effect on body weight,while 12 hours of food deprivation at night(20:00-8:00^+)and 24 hours of food deprivation(8:00-8:00^+)significantly reduced the mean body weight of the SD rats.When SPT was used to verify the successful establishment of the CUMS rat model,sucrose consumption measured within 12 hours was less variable than that measured within 1 hour.Conclusions:Twelve hours of food deprivation in the daytime(8:00-20:00)may be considered a mild stimulus for the establishment of a CUMS rat model.Measuring sucrose consumption over 12 hours is recommended for SPT.
基金International Cooperative Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine(GZYYG2020023)CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(CIFMS)Grant(2021-I2M-1-034)Key Research Project of Hunan Province(222SK2018).
文摘Objective To investigate the antidepressant effects of Yuanzhi(Polygalae Radix;PR)aqueous extract on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression rat models and the underlying mechanisms.Methods A total of 40 male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into control;model;low dose of PR(PR-L;0.5 g/kg);high dose of PR(PR-H;1 g/kg);and fluoxetine(10 mg/kg)groups;with 8 rats in each group.Except for the rats in control group;those in the other four groups underwent CUMS-induced depression modeling.PR and fluoxetine were administered intragastrically once daily;30 min prior to the CUMS procedure;for 14 consecu-tive days until the behavioral tests were performed.After CUMS modeling;the sucrose prefer-ence test(SPT);open field test(OFT);novelty-suppressed feeding test(NSFT);forced swim test(FST);and tail suspension test(TST)were employed to assess the pharmacological ef-fects of PR on the mitigation of depressive-like behaviors in rat models.Additionally;the en-zyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was utilized to quantify the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α;interleukin(IL)-6;and IL-1βin the rats.Western blot analysis was al-so conducted to evaluate the protein expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB);in-ducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS);cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2);nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3);apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase recruitment domain(ASC);and caspase-1 in the hippocampal tissues of the rats.Immunofluorescence staining was per-formed to observe the morphological changes in ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 positive(Iba-1+)cells in the dentate gyrus(DG)of rats with CUMS-induced depression.Results(i)Treatment with PR-H and fluoxetine resulted in significant enhancements in both the total distance and time the rats moved during tests(P<0.01 and P<0.05;respectively).Post-administration of PR-H and fluoxetine also led to statistically significant increase in su-crose preference among rats(P<0.05).Besides;PR-L;PR-H;and fluoxetine treatment markedly decreased the latency of ingestion(P<0.05;P<0.05;and P<0.01;respectively).As observed from the FST;PR-L;PR-H;and fluoxetine presented antidepressant effects on rats with CUMS-induced depression;leading to the reduction in time of their immobility(P<0.05;P<0.01;and P<0.01;respectively).The results of TST indicated reduced immobility time in rats receiving PR-H and fluoxetine treatment as well(P<0.01).(ii)Rats in model group showed an increase in the levels of Iba-1+microglia in their left and right brains in compari-son with control group(P<0.01).However;such increase was negated post PR treatment(P<0.01).Treatment with PR-L;PR-H;and fluoxetine considerably reduced the levels of inflam-matory factors(TNF-α;IL-1β;and IL-6;P<0.01).In addition;treatment of PR-L and PR-H ef-fectively counteracted the elevated levels of NLRP3;ASC;and caspase-1;and markedly down-regulated the expression levels of phosphorylated p65(p-p65);COX-2;and iNOS in rats’hip-pocampus(P<0.01).Conclusion Collectively;these findings indicate that PR exerts an antidepressant effect on rats with CUMS-induced depression partially through the modulation of the NLRP3 and NF-κB signaling pathways.
文摘Background: Depression is a typical psychosomatic disease. Shuganheweitang (SGHWT) is a clinical formula that effectively treats depression. However, the potential mechanism used by SGHWT to ameliorate depression-like behaviors is still unclear. This study investigated the effects of SGHWT on metabolic change in the liver and hypothalamus with signaling pathways involved in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in rats to explore the mechanism of the anti-depressive effect. Methods: A total of 52 rats were used to create a model of depression by CUMS combined with solitary rearing for 6 weeks. Open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swim test (FST), and body weight (BW) were performed to analyze the pharmacodynamic effects of SGHWT. H&E staining, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and western blot were used to evaluate the mechanism of action. Untargeted metabolomics techniques by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quantitative time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) were used to analyze all the metabolic differences in the liver and hypothalamus. Results: SGHWT improved CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors in vivo. SGHWT reduced hepatic c-Fos protein expression and increased hypothalamic c-Fos protein expression. Moreover, p-PI3K, p-AKT473, p-AKT308, and p-mTOR protein expressions were significantly downregulated in the liver and hypothalamus of CUMS rats. Notably, these alterations were reversed by the SGHWT administration. Furthermore, the metabolomic analysis identified 15 and 5 key differential SPT-associated metabolites in the liver and hypothalamus, respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that SGHWT ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behaviors, by the involvement of amino acids, glycerophospholipids, energy metabolism, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Highlights: 1) Shuganheweitang was derived from the TCM herbal formula Sinisan. 2) SGHWT treatment reverses depression-like behaviors in CUMS-induced rats. 3) The mechanism of SGHWT on depression by the liver and hypothalamus metabolomics. 4) SGHWT regulates amino acids, glycerophospholipids, and energy metabolism. 5) SGHWT exerts antidepressant effects through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
文摘The ability of an organism to adapt to aversive stressful situations or life challenging circumstances is very crucial to its state of health and survival. However, breakdown in adaptation due to persistent uncontrollable stress, leads to impairment of bodily functions and onset of a variety of pathological disorders especially memory decline. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Jobelyn®(JB), a potent antioxidant sorghum-based food supplement on unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-induced memory impairment in mice. Male Swiss mice were given JB (5 - 50 mg/kg, p.o) 30 min prior to exposure to UCMS for 14 consecutive days before testing for memory. Thereafter, the serum corticosterone level was estimated by using ELISA kits. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) as well as acetylcholinesterase activity were estimated in the brain homogenate using spectrophotometer. Histology of the brain tissues and estimation of the populations of viable neurons in the hippocampal region were done after staining with hematoxyline and eosin. Our results showed that JB reversed memory impairment and suppressed corticosterone concentrations induced by UCMS. Moreover, JB reduced oxidative stress in the brain of UCMS-mice as shown by decreased MDA levels and elevated GSH concentrations. It also decreased brain acetylcholinesterase activity when compared with chronic stress group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, JB (5 - 10 mg/kg, p.o) offered significant protection against UCMS-induced degeneration and death of neuronal cells of the cornu ammonis 3 (CA3) of the hippocampal region of the brain indicating neuroprotection. Taken together, these findings suggest that JB attenuates memory deficits induced by UCMS in mice and may be useful therapeutically for stress-related cognitive dysfunctions. The reduction in the levels of serum corticosterone, antioxidation, neuroprotection and inhibition of cholinesterase enzyme might be contributing significantly to the positive effect of JB on memory in mice exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress.
基金funded by the Russian Science Foundation(RSF)(research project N°16-15-10053(extension)).
文摘The impact of various vitamin D3(VD3)doses(1.0,2.5,or 5 mg/kg,s.c.)in mitigating the negative consequences of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)was investigated.Adult female rats with long-term estrogen deficiency were assessed using the sucrose preference test(SPT),the elevated plus-maze(EPM),the light/dark test(LDT),and the open-field test(OFT)to measure anhedonia-like and anxiety-like behavior.The corticosterone(CS)and adrenocorticotrophic hormone(ACTH)concentrations in blood serum and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)expression in the hippocampus of long-term ovariectomized(OVX)rats were measured by ELISA kits and/or western blotting.Treatment with VD3(5.0 mg/kg),similarly to fluoxetine(10.0 mg/kg),significantly reduced the anhedonia profile in the SPT and anxiety-like behavior in the EPM and LDT,and CS and ACTH levels in blood serum.It also elevated BDNF levels in the hippocampus of long-term OVX/CUMS compared to OVX/CUMS/solvent rats.Thus,these findings suggest that VD3(5.0 mg/kg)administration might attenuate the anxiety-like profile in long-term OVX adult rats subjected to the CUMS.This might occur via activation of the BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus and via restoration of CS and ACTH levels in blood serum.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82174141 and 82374353)Support Project for Young Qihuang Scholars of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine[No.200(2021)+3 种基金No.256(2022)],the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(No.2023J011636)Xiamen Science and Technology Planning Project(No.3502Z20224018)Xiamen Medical and Health Guidance Project(No.3502Z20224ZD1166)Xiamen Traditional Chinese Medicine Support Project(Nos.XWZY-2023-0101 and XWZY-2023-0202)。
文摘Objectives To determine the pharmacological impact of hesperidin,the main component of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,on depressive behavior and elucidate the mechanism by which hesperidin treats depression,focusing on the gut-brain axis.Methods Fifty-four Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly allocated to 6 groups using a random number table,including control,model,hesperidin,probiotics,fluoxetine,and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium groups.Except for the control group,rats in the remaining 5 groups were challenged with chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)for 21 days and housed in single cages.The sucrose preference test(SPT),immobility time in the forced swim test(FST),and number in the open field test(OFT)were performed to measure the behavioral changes in the rats.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in brain tissue,and the histopathology was performed to evaluate the changes of colon tissue,together with sequencing of the V3–V4 regions of 16S rRNA gene on feces to explore the changes of intestinal flora in the rats.Results Compared to the control group,the rats in the model group showed notable reductions in body weight,SPF,and number in OFT(P<0.01).Hesperidin was found to ameliorate depression induced by CUMS,as seen by improvements in body weight,SPT,immobility time in FST,and number in OFT(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Regarding neurotransmitters,it was found that at a dose of 50 mg/kg hesperidin treatment upregulated the levels of 5-HT and BDNF in depressed rats(P<0.05).Compared to the control group,the colon tissue of the model group exhibited greater inflammatory cell infiltration,with markedly reduced numbers of goblet cells and crypts and were significantly improved following treatment with hesperidin.Simultaneously,the administration of hesperidin demonstrated a positive impact on the gut microbiome of rats treated with CUMS,such as Shannon index increased and Simpson index decreased(P<0.01),while the abundance of Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota increased in the hesperidin-treated group(P<0.05).Conclusion The mechanism responsible for the beneficial effects of hesperidin on depressive behavior in rats may be related to inhibition of the expressions of BDNF and 5-HT and preservation of the gut microbiota.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30370537
文摘Adult BALB/c mice, individually housed, were stimulated with nine different stressors, arranged randomly, for 4 continuous weeks to generate an animal model of chronic stress. In chronically stressed mice, spontaneous locomotor activity was significantly decreased, escape latency in the Morris water maze test was prolonged, serum levels of total thyrotropin and total triiodothyronine were significantly decreased, and dopamine and norepinephrine content in the pallium, hippocampus and hypothalamus were significantly reduced. All of these changes were suppressed, to varying degrees, by L-tyrosine supplementation. These findings indicate that the neuroendocrine network plays an important role in chronic stress, and that L-tyrosine supplementation has therapeutic effects.
基金financially supported by the young researcher development project of Khon Kaen University。
文摘Objective:Although the protective effects of Momordica charantia L.(MC)extract on chemical-induced testicular damage have been studied,the preventive effects of MC extract on functional proteins in the epididymis under chronic stress have never been reported.This study investigated the protective effects of MC fruit extract on protein secretion,especially tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins,in the epididymis of rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress(CUS).Methods:Total phenolic compounds(TPC),total flavonoid compounds(TFC)and antioxidant capacities of MC extract were measured.Adult male rats were divided into 4 groups:control group,CUS group,and 2groups of CUS that received different doses of MC extract(40 or 80 mg/kg).In treated groups,rats were given MC daily,followed by induction of CUS(1 stressor was randomly applied from a battery of 9 potential stressors)for 60 consecutive days.Plasma corticosterone and testosterone levels were analyzed after the end of experiment.Expressions of heat-shock protein 70(HSP-70)and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins present in the fluid of the head and tail of the epididymis were quantified using Western blot.Results:MC extract contained TPC of(19.005±0.270)mg gallic acid equivalents and TFC of(0.306±0.012)mg catechin equivalents per gram,and had 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antioxidant capacity of(4.985±0.086)mg trolox equivalents per gram,radical 50%inhibitory concentration of(2.011±0.008)mg/mL and ferric reducing antioxidant power of(23.697±0.819)μmol Fe(Ⅱ)per gram.Testosterone level in the epididymis was significantly increased,while the corticosterone level was significantly improved in groups treated with MC extract,compared to the CUS animals.Particularly,an 80 mg/kg dose of MC extract prevented the impairments of HSP-70 and tyrosine-phosphorylated protein expressions in the luminal fluid of the epididymis of CUS rats.Conclusion:MC fruit extract had antioxidant activities and improved the functional proteins secreted from the head and tail of the epididymis.It is possible to develop the MC fruit extract as a male fertility supplement for enhancing functional sperm maturation in stressed men.
