Role of oxidative stress in depression

A review of the pharmacological action and mechanism of natural plant polysaccharides in depression

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder. However, clinical treatment options primarily based on chemical drugs have demonstrated varying degrees of adverse reactions and drug resistance, including somnolence, nausea, and cognitive impairment. Therefore, the development of novel antidepressant medications that effectively reduce suffering and side effects has become a prominent area of research. Polysaccharides are bioactive compounds extracted from natural plants that possess diverse pharmacological activities and medicinal values. It has been discovered that polysaccharides can effectively mitigate depression symptoms. This paper provides an overview of the pharmacological action and mechanisms, intervention approaches, and experimental models regarding the antidepressant effects of polysaccharides derived from various natural sources. Additionally, we summarize the roles and potential mechanisms through which these polysaccharides prevent depression by regulating neurotransmitters, HPA axis, neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, tryptophan metabolism, and gut microbiota. Natural plant polysaccharides hold promise as adjunctive antidepressants for prevention, reduction, and treatment of depression by exerting their therapeutic effects through multiple pathways and targets. Therefore, this review aims to provide scientific evidence for developing polysaccharide resources as effective antidepressant drugs.

A study of roflumilast treatment on functional and structural changes in hippocampus in depressed Adult male Wistar rats

Depression is a common stress disability disorder that affects higher mental functions including emotion, cognition, and behavior. It may be mediated by inflammatory cytokines that interfere with neuroendocrine function, and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, reductions in inflammation might contribute to treatment response. The current study aims to evaluate the role of Protein Kinase (PKA)- cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)- brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in depression and the effects of roflumilast (PDE4 inhibitor) as potential antidepressant on the activity of the PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway, histology, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Forty Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control group, Positive Control group: similar to the controls but received Roflumilast (3 mg / kg / day) by oral gavage for the last 4 weeks of the experiment, Depressed group which were exposed to chronic stress for 6 weeks, and Roflumilast-treated group which were exposed to chronic stress for 6 weeks and treated by Roflumilast (3 mg / kg / day) by oral gavage for the last 4 weeks of the experiment. The depressed group showed significant increase in immobility time with significant decrease in swimming and struggling times, significant decrease in hippocampal PKA, CERB, BDNF, Dopamine, Cortisone, and Superoxide dismutase while hippocampal Phosphodiesterase-E4, Interleukin-6, and Malondialdhyde levels were significantly elevated. These findings were significantly reversed upon Roflumilast treatment. Therefore, it could be concluded that depression is a neurodegenerative inflammatory disease and oxidative stress plays a key role in depression. Roflumilast treatment attenuated the depression behavior in rats denoting its neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Joint association of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure with depression in adults

BACKGROUND

Heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent significant components of environmental pollution, typically occurring as mixtures, raising concerns about their potential impact on human health. However, the combined effect of HMs and PAHs exposure on depression has not been explored.

METHODS

Leveraging National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data spanning 2005 to 2016, we employ survey-weighted multiple logistic regression models to probe the interrelation between HMs, PAHs, and depression. This exploration is complemented by age and gender-stratified analyses, as well as a determination of the dose-response linkage via restricted cubic spline regression. Furthermore, the combined impact of HMs and PAHs on depression was evaluated through a range of statistical methodologies.

RESULTS

The study encompasses 7732 adults. Our findings unveil notable associations, indicating the significant influence of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and all six PAHs metabolites on depression. Moreover, mixed exposure to HMs and PAHs emerges as a substantial contributor to an augmented depression risk, with Cd, Pb, 1-hydroxynaphthalene (1-NAP), 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-FLU), and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-PYR) likely driving this positive relationship. Intriguingly, subgroup analyses highlight greater prominence of these connections among individuals aged 20-59 and among women. Furthermore, the results tentatively suggest a potential interplay between Cd and 2-NAP in relation to depression.

CONCLUSION

This study posits that exposure to both individual and combined HMs and PAHs may be associated with an elevated risk of depression. Further prospective investigations are warranted to substantiate these findings.

Structural elucidation of a non-starch polysaccharides from Lilii Bulbus and its protective effects against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells

Lilii Bulbus is a folk medicine for both culinary and medicinal purpose. In traditional medicine theory, Lilii Bulbus is usually used as an complementary therapy for nourishing the heart and lung, clearing heat in the treatment of mental instability and depression. In this study, NLPS-1a (Mw = 2610 Da, DP = 16), a water-soluble non-starch Lilii Bulbus polysaccharides, was isolated and purified. Structural analysis showed that NLPS-1a mainly contained Man and Glc with a molar ratio of 11.137 and 9.427. The glycosidic linkages of NLPS-1a were 1,3-Manp (59.93%), 1,2-Glcp (37.93%), T-Glcp (1.21%) and T-Manp (0.93%), indicating the highly-linear structures. In addition, NLPS-1a could significantly repair the injury of PC12 cells induced by corticosterone (CORT), reduce Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and decrease the cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Above all, the results indicated that NLPS-1a had protective effects against CORT-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, and might be a natural antidepressant, which enriched the study of the metabolic mechanism between herbal polysaccharides and antidepressant.

Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress markers in patients with unipolar and bipolar depression: A large-scale study

OBJECTIVE

Numerous studies have demonstrated that neutrophil/HDL ratio (NHR), lymphocyte/HDL ratio (LHR), monocyte/HDL (MHR) ratio, platelet/HDL ratio (PHR), neutrophil/ALB ratio (NAR) and platelet/ALB ratio (PAR) can serve as systemic inflammation and oxidative stress markers in a variety of diseases. However, few studies have estimated the associations of these markers with unipolar depression (UD) and bipolar depression (BD), as well as psychotic symptoms in UD and BD.

METHODS

6297 UD patients, 1828 BD patients and 7630 healthy subjects were recruited. The differences in these indicators among different groups were compared, and the influencing factors for the occurrence of UD or BD and psychotic symptoms were analyzed.

RESULTS

These ratios displayed unique variation patterns across different diagnostic groups. BD group exhibited higher NHR, LHR, MHR, NAR and lower PAR than UD and HC groups, UD group showed higher MHR than HC group. The psychotic UD group had higher NHR, LHR, MHR and NAR than non-psychotic UD group. Higher LHR, MHR, NAR and lower PAR were risk factors in BD when compared to UD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated differences in inflammation and oxidative stress profile between UD and BD patients, as well as between subjects with or without psychotic symptom exist, highlighting the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of UD and BD.

Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction alleviates depressive-like behavior and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis in chronic unpredictable mild stress induced mice via activating the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction (ZZHP), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classic recipe, has been extensively applied for the remedy of depression. However, the underlying mechanism of ZZHP hasn't been fully elucidated and it needs to be further clarified.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of the study is to uncover the mechanisms of ZZHP's effect on depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were employed to establish Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) models. Behavioral tests were conducted for evaluating the antidepressant effects of ZZHP. Then, the monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus through High Performance Liquid Chromatography Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-ECD) were utilized to assess the effect of ZZHP on the maintenance of monoamine neurotransmitter homeostasis. Immunofluorescence staining and Golgi staining were detected to analyze the effects of ZZHP on neuroplasticity in the hippocampus. Western Blot (WB) was utilized to examine the effects of ZZHP on BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathways. Finally, behavioral tests, WB and immunofluorescence staining were repeated after TrkB receptor antagonist was added to further confirm the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

Our results shown that ZZHP attenuated depressive-like symptoms in CUMS mice. Moreover, ZZHP remarkably reversed the reduction and maintained the homeostasis of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus. Simultaneously, ZZHP protected neuronal synaptic plasticity and promoted hippocampal neurogenesis. Furthermore, ZZHP stimulated the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway in the hippocampus. The addition of TrkB receptor antagonist inhibited the antidepressant effects of ZZHP, suggesting that ZZHP could not work without triggering the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that ZZHP can alleviate depressive-like behavior and promote hippocampal neurogenesis in CUMS mice via activating the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway.

Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Is Inversely Associated with Anxiety and Stress but Not Depression: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Community-Dwelling Older Australians

Diet quality may be an important modifiable risk factor for mental health disorders. However, these findings have been inconsistent, particularly in older adults. We explored the independent associations between adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and severity of symptoms related to depression, anxiety and stress in older adults from Australia. This was a cross-sectional analysis of older Australians ≥ 60 years. MedDiet adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to assess the severity of negative emotional symptoms. A total of n = 294 participants were included in the final analyses (70.4 ± 6.2 years). Adherence to a MedDiet was inversely associated with the severity of anxiety symptoms (β = -0.118; CI: -0.761, -0.012; p = 0.043) independent of age, gender, BMI, physical activity, sleep, cognitive risk and ability to perform activities of daily living. Furthermore, MedDiet adherence was inversely associated with symptoms of stress (β = -0.151; CI: -0.680, -0.073; p = 0.015) independent of age, gender, BMI, physical activity and sleep. However, no relationship between MedDiet adherence and depressive symptoms was observed. We showed that adherence to a MedDiet is inversely associated with the severity of symptoms related to anxiety and stress but not depression. Exploring these findings with the use of longitudinal analyses and robust clinical trials are needed to better elucidate these findings in older adults.

Research progress on antidepressant effects and mechanisms of berberine

Depression, a global health problem with growing prevalence, brings serious impacts on the daily life of patients. However, the antidepressants currently used in clinical are not perfectly effective, which greatly reduces the compliance of patients. Berberine is a natural quaternary alkaloid which has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological effects, such as hypoglycemic, lipid-regulation, anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant. This review summarizes the evidence of pharmacological applications of berberine in treating depression and elucidates the mechanisms of berberine regulating neurotransmitter levels, promoting the regeneration of hippocampal neurons, improving hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, anti-oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammatory status in order to provide a reference for further research and clinical application of berberine.

Broadening horizons: ferroptosis as a new target for traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with ~50 million people experiencing TBI each year. Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death triggered by iron ion-catalyzed and reactive oxygen species-induced lipid peroxidation, has been identified as a potential contributor to traumatic central nervous system conditions, suggesting its involvement in the pathogenesis of TBI. Alterations in iron metabolism play a crucial role in secondary injury following TBI. This study aimed to explore the role of ferroptosis in TBI, focusing on iron metabolism disorders, lipid metabolism disorders and the regulatory axis of system Xc-/glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4 in TBI. Additionally, we examined the involvement of ferroptosis in the chronic TBI stage. Based on these findings, we discuss potential therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis after TBI. In conclusion, this review provides novel insights into the pathology of TBI and proposes potential therapeutic targets.

Implication of lncRNA MSTRG.81401 in Hippocampal Pyroptosis Induced by P2X7 Receptor in Type 2 Diabetic Rats with Neuropathic Pain Combined with Depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common complication of diabetes and is often observed alongside diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) as a comorbidity in diabetic patients. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in various pathophysiological processes. The P2X7 receptor is responsible for triggering inflammatory responses, such as pyroptosis, linked to pain and depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lncRNA MSTRG.81401 on hippocampal pyroptosis induced by the P2X7 receptor in diabetic rats with DNP combined with MDD (DNP + MDD). Our results showed that the expression of lncRNA MSTRG.81401 was significantly elevated in the hippocampus of DNP + MDD rats compared with the control group. Following the administration of shRNA targeting lncRNA MSTRG.81401, a notable elevation in mechanical and thermal pain thresholds was observed in rats with comorbid DNP and MDD. Additionally, significant improvements in depression-like behaviors were evident in the open-field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), and forced swim test (FST). In the DNP + MDD rats, elevated levels in hippocampal P2X7 receptor mRNA and protein were observed, along with increased co-expression of P2X7 and the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Meanwhile, in DNP + MDD rats, the heightened mRNA expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), pyroptosis-related protein Gasdermin D (GSDMD), caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α was detected, in addition to increased serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α. After shRNA treatment with lncRNA MSTRG.81401, the above abnormal changes in indicators for pyroptosis and inflammation were improved. Therefore, our study demonstrates that shRNA of lncRNA MSTRG.81401 can alleviate the pain and depression-like behaviors in diabetic rats associated with the comorbidity of DNP and MDD by inhibiting the hippocampal P2X7 receptor-mediated pyroptosis pathway and pro-inflammatory responses. This suggests that the P2X7R/NLRP3/caspase-1 implicated pyroptosis and inflammatory scenario may serve as a potential target for the management of comorbid DNP and MDD in diabetes.

Metabolite Biomarkers of Prolonged and Intensified Pain and Distress in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radio- or Chemoradiotherapy by Means of NMR-Based Metabolomics-A Preliminary Study

Treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a detrimental impact on patient quality of life. The rate of recognized distress/depression among HNSCC patients ranges from 9.8% to 83.8%, and the estimated prevalence of depression among patients receiving radiotherapy is 63%. Shorter overall survival also occurs in preexisting depression or depressive conditions. The present study analyzes the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) blood serum metabolic profiles during radio-/chemoradiotherapy and correlates the detected alterations with pain and/or distress accumulated with the disease and its treatment. NMR spectra were acquired on a Bruker 400 MHz spectrometer and analyzed using multivariate methods. The results indicate that distress and/or pain primarily affect the serum lipids and metabolites of energy (glutamine, glucose, lactate, acetate) and one-carbon (glycine, choline, betaine, methanol, threonine, serine, histidine, formate) metabolism. Sparse disturbances in the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and in the metabolites involved in protein metabolism (lysine, tyrosine, phenylalanine) are also observed. Depending on the treatment modality-radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy-there are some differences in the altered metabolites.

Omega-3 supplementation improves depressive symptoms, cognitive function and niacin skin flushing response in adolescent depression: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Depressive disorder in adolescents is a major health problem with inadequate treatment. Omega-3 (ω3) polyunsaturated fatty acids are a promising adjuvant therapy in adult depression. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of adjuvant ω3 treatment on depressive symptoms in adolescent depression. Secondarily, we explored the effects of ω3 on cognitive function and memory and niacin skin flushing response (NSFR), as their robust associations with adolescent depression.

METHODS

A total of 71 adolescents with depression (aged 13-24; 59.2 % female) were randomly assigned to receive ω3 plus Paxil (n = 34) or Paxil alone (n = 37) for 12 weeks. Primary outcome was depression severity according to scores on Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Secondary outcomes were cognitive function and memory, and NSFR.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in depressive symptoms over time (p = 0.00027 at week 12) were observed in the ω3 + Paxil group compared with Paxil group. Additionally, in the ω3 + Paxil group, significant improvements in memory over time, and greater cognitive function and NSFR were also observed compared with the Paxil group; the NSFR was negatively correlated with MADRS scores at baseline.

LIMITATIONS

The trial was open label; thus, the outcome measures should be viewed as preliminary since inherent bias in outcomes due to the potential of a placebo effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that adjuvant ω3 treatment is effective for reducing depressive symptoms as well as improving cognitive function, memory and the NSFR; these results suggest ω3 is a promising adjuvant treatment for adolescent depression.

Menopause-Associated Depression: Impact of Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation on the Central Nervous System-A Review

Perimenopausal depression, occurring shortly before or after menopause, is characterized by symptoms such as emotional depression, anxiety, and stress, often accompanied by endocrine dysfunction, particularly hypogonadism and senescence. Current treatments for perimenopausal depression primarily provide symptomatic relief but often come with undesirable side effects. The development of agents targeting the specific pathologies of perimenopausal depression has been relatively slow. The erratic fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during the perimenopausal stage expose women to the risk of developing perimenopausal-associated depression. These hormonal changes trigger the production of proinflammatory mediators and induce oxidative stress, leading to progressive neuronal damage. This review serves as a comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms contributing to perimenopausal depression. It aims to shed light on the complex relationship between perimenopausal hormones, neurotransmitters, brain-derived neurotrophic factors, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and perimenopausal depression. By summarizing the intricate interplay between hormonal fluctuations, neurotransmitter activity, brain-derived neurotrophic factors, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and perimenopausal depression, this review aims to stimulate further research in this field. The hope is that an increased understanding of these mechanisms will pave the way for the development of more effective therapeutic targets, ultimately reducing the risk of depression during the menopausal stage for the betterment of psychological wellbeing.

Association of serum individual and mixed aldehydes with depressive symptoms in the general population: A machine learning study

BACKGROUND

Humans have many opportunities to be exposed to aldehydes which have potential mechanisms for causing depression. We aimed to explore the relationships between serum individual and mixed aldehydes with depressive symptoms in general population.

METHODS

The data was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014. Depressive symptoms were assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Weighted binomial logistic regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were used to explore the association of six individual aldehyde and mixed aldehydes with depressive symptoms, respectively. Sex stratification analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 701 participants were included. We found a positive association between the highest (Q4) versus lowest quartile (Q1) of butyraldehyde with depressive symptoms (OR: 2.86, 95 % CI: 1.22-6.68), and a negative association between the Q3 versus Q1 of benzaldehyde (0.21, 0.07-0.60) and isopentanaldehyde (0.28, 0.08-0.90) with depressive symptoms in multivariate-adjusted model. The mixed aldehydes were positively associated with depressive symptoms using BKMR model, and butyraldehyde and heptanaldehyde were the dominant aldehydes. Several aldehydes, such as butyraldehyde and benzaldehyde, interacted with each other in their effects on depressive symptoms. The results of gender stratification analysis showed that butyraldehyde was the major contributor to the total effect of aldehydes on depressive symptoms in males, while heptanaldehyde was the dominant aldehyde in females.

LIMITATIONS

Causality cannot be inferred in this cross-sectional study.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicated that mixed aldehydes can increase the risk of depressive symptoms, of which butyraldehyde and heptanaldehyde were the major contributing aldehydes.

Sex difference in the non-linear relationship between ethylene oxide exposure and depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Ethylene oxide (EO) has been recognized as an animal carcinogen and environmental EO exposure was linked to several diseases. However, the association of EO exposure with depression prevalence is still not clear.

METHODS

We included 6016 participants with complete data on HbEO concentrations, depression diagnosis, and necessary covariates using the 2013-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weighted multivariable logistic model was applied to examine the association of HbEO concentrations with depression risk. Weighted restricted cubic spline model was applied to draw the dose-response curve.

RESULTS

In the total population, individuals in the second, third, and fourth quartile of HbEO respectively had an adjusted OR of 0.99 (95%CI: 0.60, 1.63), 1.13 (95%CI: 0.73, 1.75), and 2.87 (95%CI: 1.86, 4.45) (Ptrend < 0.001) for depression with a significant "J" shaped non-linear dose-response relationship (Pnon-linear < 0.001). Females, drinkers, and smokers were susceptible to the depressive effect of EO. Doubling the HbEO concentrations was respectively associated with a 1.50-fold (95%CI: 1.25, 1.79), 1.29-fold (1.15, 1.44), and 1.17-fold (1.04, 1.33) increased risk of depression for females, drinkers, and smokers.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional study design and self-reported depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Environmental EO exposure was associated with increased depression risk, especially among females, drinkers, and smokers. Further prospective studies are required to affirm these findings.

Clinical value and mechanistic analysis of HIIT on modulating risk and symptoms of depression: A systematic review

Background

The exact causal mechanisms of depression remain unclear due to the complexity of the triggers, which has led to limitations in treating depression using modern drugs. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is as effective as medication in treating depression without toxic side effects. Typically, HIIT requires less time commitment (i.e., shorter exercise duration) and exhibits pronounced benefits on depressive symptoms than other forms of physical exercise. This review summarizes the risk reduction and clinical effects of HIIT for depression and discusses the underlying mechanisms, providing a theoretical basis for utilizing HIIT in treating depression.

Methods

A database search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception up to October 2022. The methodological quality of the included literature was evaluated by the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale criteria. The review focused on evaluating the changes in depression risk or symptoms of HIIT interventions in healthy individuals, patients with depression, and patients with other disorders co-morbid with depression. Consequently, the mechanisms associated with depression related HIIT were summarized.

Results

A total of 586 participants (52 % female; mean age: 43.58±8.93 years) from 22 studies were included. Implementing HIIT using different exercise types alleviates depressive symptoms in individuals with depression and in individuals with depression who have exhibited comorbidities and reduced depression scale scores in subjects immediately after acute exercise. In addition, the long-interval HIIT and short-interval HIIT in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular or psychiatric disorders may reduce depressive symptoms via complex exercise-related changes on several levels, including by effecting the following measures: releasing monoamines, reducing neuronal death, inducing neurogenesis, modulating the functional homeostasis of the HPA axis, and enhancing the level of inflammation in the body.

Conclusion

HIIT is a relatively safe and effective antidepressant, which may involve multiple neurobiological mechanisms (release of monoamines, reducing neuronal death, inducing neurogenesis, modulating the functional homeostasis of the HPA axis, and enhancing the level of inflammation in the body), thereby reducing the risk or symptoms of depression in participants.

Research Progress on the Antidepressant Effects of Baicalin and Its Aglycone Baicalein: A Systematic Review of the Biological Mechanisms

Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder, affecting more than 300 million adults worldwide each year, which can lead to serious economic and social problems. Antidepressants are usually the first-line treatment for depression, however, traditional antidepressants on the market have the disadvantage of low remission rates and may cause side effects to patients, therefore, the current focus in the field of depression is to develop novel therapeutic agents with high remission rates and few side effects. In this context, the antidepressant effects of natural compounds have received attention. Baicalin (baicalein-7-O-glucuronide) and its aglycone baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) are flavonoid compounds extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis. Although lacking the support of clinical data, they have been shown to have significantly promising antidepressant activity in many preclinical studies through various rodent models of depression. This paper reviews the antidepressant effects of baicalin and baicalein in experimental animal models, with emphasis on summarizing the molecular mechanisms of their antidepressant effects including regulation of the HPA axis, inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress, reduction of neuronal apoptosis and promotion of neurogenesis, as well as amelioration of mitochondrial dysfunction. Controlled clinical trials should be conducted in the future to examine the effects of baicalin and baicalein on depression in humans.

Characteristics of gut microbiota and metabolic phenotype in patients with major depressive disorder based on multi-omics analysis

Depression is a chronic, relapsing mental illness, often accompanied by loss of appetite, increased fatigue, insomnia and poor concentration. Here, we performed serum and urine metabolomics and fecal 16S rDNA sequencing studies on 57 unmedicated patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 57 healthy controls to characterize the metabolic and flora profile of MDD patients. We observed significant differences in serum and urinary metabolome between MDD patients and healthy individuals. Specifically, glycerophospholipid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism were significantly disordered in serum, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, arginine biosynthesis, purine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism were significantly impaired in urine. On this basis, we identified four potential diagnostic biomarkers for carnitine and four fatty acid classes in serum and urine, respectively. In addition, we observed significant disturbances of the gut microbiota in MDD patients. Spearman correlation analysis showed that imbalances in the gut microbiota were associated with metabolic disturbances, suggesting an important role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of MDD. Our study provides a theoretical basis for further understanding of the pathogenesis of depression and for future clinical diagnosis and screening, as well as a basis for targeting the gut flora to optimize its structure for the prevention and treatment of depression.

Sex differences in erythrocyte fatty acid composition of first-diagnosed, drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorders

Background: Since depression, sex hormones, and fatty acid status are interrelated, it is important to understand their relationships. In this study, we aimed to investigate sex differences in erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition among first-diagnosed, drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorders. Methods: The study included 139 individuals with first-diagnosed, drug-naïve depression (male/female = 48/91) and 55 healthy controls (male/female = 24/31). The levels of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids were analyzed to compare the difference between males and females in both patients with depression and healthy controls, as well as to study their correlation with depressive symptoms. Results: In first-diagnosed, drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorders, sex disparities were observed in the levels of erythrocyte saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and n-6 PUFAs (such as C18:0, C20:4n6 and C22:4n6), where higher levels evident in females compared to in males. We found a noteworthy correlation between fatty acid levels and depressive symptoms, in which there is a significant association between female patients and depression but a weaker association between male patients and depression. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate higher levels of n-6 PUFAs and SFAs in female patients with depression. The relationship between fatty acid composition and depressive symptoms was more prominent in females than males. These findings highlight the significance of considering sex as a crucial and interconnected factor in future investigations and potential adjunctive treatment for mood disorders by targeting fatty acid metabolism.

DHA and EPA Alleviate Epileptic Depression in PTZ-Treated Young Mice Model by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation through Regulating Microglial M2 Polarization and Improving Mitochondrial Metabolism

Depression is the most common complication of childhood epilepsy, leading to a poor prognosis for seizure control and poor quality of life. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying epileptic depression have not been completely elucidated. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are major contributors to depression. The positive effects of dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on depression have been previously reported. However, knowledge regarding the effects of EPA and DHA in managing depressive symptoms in pediatric patients with epilepsy is limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of EPA and DHA on epileptic depression in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-treated young mouse model. Three-week-old mice were fed a DHA- or EPA-enriched diet for 21 days and treated with PTZ (35 mg/kg, i.p.) every other day for a total of 10 times. EPA was more effective than DHA at alleviating PTZ-induced depressive symptoms. Pathological results revealed that DHA and EPA significantly improved neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus. Analysis of the mechanism revealed that DHA and EPA mitigated PTZ-induced myelin damage by increasing the protein levels of CNPase, Olig2, and MBP. Furthermore, both DHA and EPA reduced neuroinflammation by promoting microglial M2 polarization and suppressing the LCN2-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Notably, EPA polarized microglia towards the M2 phenotype. In addition, DHA and EPA decreased oxidative stress by inhibiting NOX2 and enhancing mitochondrial metabolism through the increased expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I-V proteins. These findings suggest that DHA and EPA can be used as effective interventions to improve depression in children with epilepsy, with EPA being a particularly favorable option.

Exploring potential genes and mechanisms linking erectile dysfunction and depression

Background

The clinical correlation between erectile dysfunction (ED) and depression has been revealed in cumulative studies. However, the evidence of shared mechanisms between them was insufficient. This study aimed to explore common transcriptomic alterations associated with ED and depression.

Materials and methods

The gene sets associated with ED and depression were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Comparative analysis was conducted to obtain common genes. Using R software and other appropriate tools, we conducted a range of analyses, including function enrichment, interactive network creation, gene cluster analysis, and transcriptional and post-transcriptional signature profiling. Candidate hub crosslinks between ED and depression were selected after external validation and molecular experiments. Furthermore, subpopulation location and disease association of hub genes were explored.

Results

A total of 85 common genes were identified between ED and depression. These genes strongly correlate with cell adhesion, redox homeostasis, reactive oxygen species metabolic process, and neuronal cell body. An interactive network consisting of 80 proteins and 216 interactions was thereby developed. Analysis of the proteomic signature of common genes highlighted eight major shared genes: CLDN5, COL7A1, LDHA, MAP2K2, RETSAT, SEMA3A, TAGLN, and TBC1D1. These genes were involved in blood vessel morphogenesis and muscle cell activity. A subsequent transcription factor (TF)-miRNA network showed 47 TFs and 88 miRNAs relevant to shared genes. Finally, CLDN5 and TBC1D1 were well-validated and identified as the hub crosslinks between ED and depression. These genes had specific subpopulation locations in the corpus cavernosum and brain tissue, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to investigate common transcriptomic alterations and the shared biological roles of ED and depression. The findings of this study provide insights into the referential molecular mechanisms underlying the co-existence between depression and ED.

Promising new pharmacological targets for depression: The search for efficacy

Pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) still relies on the use of serotonergic drugs, despite their limited efficacy. A few mechanistically new drugs have been developed in recent years, but many fail in clinical trials. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain MDD pathophysiology, indicating that physiological processes such as neuroplasticity, circadian rhythms, and metabolism are potential targets. Here, we review the current state of pharmacological treatments for MDD, as well as the preclinical and clinical evidence for an antidepressant effect of molecules that target non-serotonergic systems. We offer some insights into the challenges facing the development of new antidepressant drugs, and the prospect of finding more effectiveness for each target discussed.

Human in vivo evidence of reduced astrocyte activation and neuroinflammation in patients with treatment-resistant depression following electroconvulsive therapy

AIM

The current study aimed to investigate the neuroinflammatory hypothesis of depression and the potential anti-inflammatory effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in vivo, utilizing astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (ADEVs) isolated from plasma.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and 35 matched healthy controls were recruited at baseline, and 34 patients with TRD completed the post-ECT visits. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-ECT. Plasma ADEVs were isolated and confirmed, and the concentrations of two astrocyte markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] and S100β), an extracellular vesicle marker cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81), and nine inflammatory markers in ADEVs were measured as main analyses. In addition, correlation analysis was conducted between clinical features and ADEV protein levels as exploratory analysis.

RESULTS

At baseline, the TRD group exhibited significantly higher levels of two astrocyte markers GFAP and S100β, as well as CD81 compared with the healthy controls. Inflammatory markers interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-10, and IL-17A were also significantly higher in the TRD group. After ECT, there was a significant reduction in the levels of GFAP, S100β, and CD81, along with a significant decrease in the levels of IFN-γ and IL-4. Furthermore, higher levels of GFAP, S100β, CD81, and inflammatory cytokines were associated with more severe depressive symptoms and poorer cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

This study provides direct insight supporting the astrocyte activation and neuroinflammatory hypothesis of depression using ADEVs. ECT may exert an anti-inflammatory effect through inhibition of such activation of astrocytes.

The effects of prolonged stress exposure on the brain of rats and insights to understand the impact of work-related stress on caregivers

Introduction

Stress exposure is a significant concern in the healthcare sector. This animal model study aims to reproduce caregivers' working conditions and determine their impact on the brain.

Method

Twenty-four healthy male rats of the Wistar strain were divided into four groups. Three groups were submitted each to one stressor for 21 days, while the fourth group was used as a control. Stressors were food and water deprivation (FW), permanent illumination (PI), and forced swimming (FS). At the end of the experiment, rats were euthanized, and stress biomarkers, biological parameters, and DNA damage were measured.

Results

Prooxidant biomarker rates increased in the different groups (+50 to +75%) compared to the control (p < 0.0001). Urinary corticosterone rates increased in all stressed animals, mainly in the PI group, with changes of up to +50% compared to the control group. Acetylcholinesterase levels decreased to -50% (p < 0.0001 for the three exposed groups). Total ATPase, (Na+/K+)-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase activities decreased in all stressed groups. The percentage of brain cell congestion and apoptosis was 3% for the FW group (p < 0.0001), 2% for the PI group (p < 0.0001), and 4% for the FS group (p < 0.0001) compared to the control (0.8%). DNA damage was observed in all exposed groups. Finally, we noticed behavioral changes and a depression-like syndrome in all stressed rats.

Conclusion

Stressful conditions such as the working environment of caregivers can trigger several pathophysiological processes leading to oxidative, neurochemical, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal disorders. These changes can progress to cell damage and apoptosis in the brain and trigger psychological and physical disorders.

The Effect of Antidepressant Treatment on Neurocognitive Functions, Redox and Inflammatory Parameters in the Context of COVID-19

Inflammation is an important component of the etiopathology of depression that uses oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) and elevated inflammatory markers. SARS-CoV-2 infection is also associated with abnormal inflammatory processes, which may impair effective treatment of depression in COVID-19 survivors. In the presented study, thirty-three hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) were started on antidepressant treatment, and twenty-one were re-evaluated after 4-6 weeks. The control group consisted of thirty healthy volunteers. All participants underwent neuropsychiatric evaluation, biochemical blood and urine analyses. The results of the research demonstrated positive correlations of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores with serum catalase (CAT) and urinary S-Nitrosothiols levels, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores with serum reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Depressed patients with a history of COVID-19 prior to the treatment had higher urinary nitric oxide (NO) levels and lower serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. In the control group, COVID-19 survivors had higher levels of urinary N-formylkynurenine (NFK). Our results suggest that the antidepressant treatment has a modulating effect on O&NS, reduces depressive symptoms and improves cognitive functions The present study does not indicate that clinical response to antidepressant treatment is associated with COVID-19 history and baseline SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels. Nevertheless, further research in this area is needed to systematize antidepressant treatment in COVID-19 survivors.

Verbascoside: A neuroprotective phenylethanoid glycosides with anti-depressive properties

BACKGROUND

Verbascoside is a natural and water-soluble phenylethanoid glycoside found in several medicinal plants. It has extensive pharmacological effects, including antioxidative and antineoplastic actions, and a wide range of therapeutic effects against depression.

PURPOSE

In this review, we appraised preclinical and limited clinical evidence to fully discuss the anti-depression capacity of verbascoside and its holistic characteristics that can contribute to better management of depression in vivo and in vitro models, as well as, its toxicities and medicinal value.

METHODS

This review was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A systematic review of 32 preclinical trials published up to April 2023, combined with a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of network pharmacology and molecular docking, was conducted to elucidate the antidepressant mechanism of action of verbascoside. Studies included in the systematic review were obtained from 7 electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Studies on the antidepressant effects of verbascoside showed that various pharmacological mechanisms and pathways, such as modulating the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, inhibiting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperfunction and promoting neuroprotection may be involved in the process of its action against depression. Verbascoside promotes dopamine (DA) biosynthesis by promoting the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and protein, upregulates the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (5-HT1B), prominence protein, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), SQSTM1, Recombinant Autophagy Related Protein 5 (ATG5) and Beclin-1, and decreases the expression of caspase-3 and a-synuclein, thus exerting antidepressant effects. We identified seven targets (CCL2, FOS, GABARAPL1, CA9, TYR, CA12, and SQSTM1) and three signaling pathways (glutathione metabolism, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis) as potential molecular biological sites for verbascoside.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide strong evidence that verbascoside exerts its antidepressant effects through various pharmacological mechanisms. However, further multicentre clinical case-control and molecularly targeted fishing studies are required to confirm the clinical efficacy of verbascoside and its underlying direct targets.

Stimuli-responsive nanoparticles delivered by a nasal-brain pathway alleviate depression-like behavior through extensively scavenging ROS

Depression is one of the most common mental diseases, which seriously affects patients' physical and mental health. Emerging evidence has indicated that oxidative stress (OS) is a major cause of neurodegeneration involved in the pathogenesis of depression. Consequently, targeted reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination is regarded as a promising strategy for efficient depression therapy. In addition, insufficient brain drug delivery is the main obstacle to depression therapy owing to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To achieve the goals of bypassing the BBB and promoting antioxidant therapy for depression, a broad-spectrum ROS scavenging NPs was rationally designed through a nasal-brain pathway developed for combined ROS scavenging and brain drug delivery. A hexa-arginine (R6) modified ROS-responsive dextran (DEX) derivate was synthesized for antidepressant olanzapine (Olz) and H2 donor amino borane (AB) loading to prepare Olz/RDPA nanoparticles (NPs). Subsequently, the NPs were dispersed into a thermoresponsive hydrogel system based on poloxamer. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that Olz/RDPA in situ thermoresponsive hydrogel system could effectively deliver NPs to the brain via the nasal-brain pathway and alleviate depression-like behaviors through combined ROS depletion and inhibition of 5-HT dysfunction of the oxidative stress-induced. The proposed ROS-scavenging nanotherapeutic would open a new window for depression treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: ROS is an innovative therapeutic target involving the pathology of depression whereas targeted delivery of ROS scavenging has not been achieved yet. In the current study, ROS-responsive nanoparticles (Olz/RDPA NPs) were prepared and dispersed in a thermosensitive hydrogel for delivery through the nasal-brain pathway for the treatment of depression. Sufficient ROS depletion and improvement of delivery capacity by the nasal-brain pathway effectively could reverse oxidative stress and alleviate depressive-like behavior. Collectively, these nanoparticles may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of depression.

Nose-to-brain delivery of hesperidin nanoparticles loaded in-situ gel for neuroprotective action

OBJECTIVE

Major depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a serious mental health condition that has a detrimental impact on a person's mood, thoughts, and behaviour. The presence of oxidative stress is associated with an increased risk of developing depression. A flavonoid called hesperidin (HSP) has been proven to be helpful in experimental depression because of its powerful antioxidant properties. However, due to its limited bioavailability, gastro-intestinal degradation, inadequate permeability, and low water solubility, the clinical development of HSP has been impeded. The objective of the present research was to develop HSP nanoparticles (NPs) loaded in-situ gel for nose-to-brain delivery to provide neuroprotective action.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

HSP NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique and were tailored to the size by using ultrasonication technique. Optimisation of NPs was conducted using the central composite design. Prepared particles were analysed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), DSC, and UV technique. Forced swim test was conducted as a behavioural assessment to gauze the neuroprotective antidepressant activity of the prepared formulation.

RESULTS

The particle size was found to be in the range of 76.5±0.86nm to 239.2+0.31nm, zeta potential in the range of -8.37±0.6mV to 22.4±1.37mV, and entrapment efficiency in the range of 54.92±1.36% to 74.53±1.28%. Pharmacodynamic study showed formulation significantly decreased the immobility time in experimental animals.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the potential of HSP NPs to be an effective neuroprotective agent.

Inhibition of ferroptosis alleviates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression in mice via tsRNA-3029b

Depression is a common mental illness. Ferroptosis is a form of cell death that may be responsible for neurological disease, but the role of ferroptosis in depression remains unclear. tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is an emerging non-coding small RNA, making it an important medium for studying neurological diseases. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to construct the depression model in mice, which was treated with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Classical behavioral test, immunofluorescence and small RNA sequencing were used to detect depression-like behaviors, neuronal proliferation and the expression profile of tsRNAs in mice, respectively. The primary neuronal cell damage model was constructed by corticosterone (CORT), and the function of key tsRNA was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and CCK-8 assays. Here, Fer-1 reduced the depression-like behavior of CUMS-induced mice and promoted neuronal growth. In addition, CUMS caused the disorder of tsRNA expression profile in hippocampal tissues of mice, and Fer-1 alleviated the abnormal tsRNA expression, among which tsRNA-3029b was an effective target. In vitro experiments manifested that ROS accumulation and decreased expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 were found in CORT-induced depression-like cell model, suggesting that ferroptosis was involved in neuronal injury. However, inhibition of tsRNA-3029b suppressed neuronal cell ferroptosis and facilitated neuronal regeneration. In conclusion, Fer-1 showed an antidepressant effect in CUMS-induced mice and alleviated the abnormal expression profile of tsRNA. tsRNA-3029b was a key target in depression, and silencing of tsRNA-3029b reduced the occurrence of ferroptosis and protected neurons from injury, which may provide novel target for the treatment of depression.

Amelioration of modified chronic unpredictable stress using Celastrus paniculatus seed oil alone and in combination with fluoxetine

The various stressors in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) triggers depressive behavior, impairs learning, and decision-making abilities. The present study investigated the effects of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil (CPSO) alone and in combination with fluoxetine (FLU) in modified CUS (mCUS) induced depression in mice. In this study, adult albino mice were subjected to a modified version of CUS protocol having six different stressors and were applied daily consistently for 15 days. The post-treatment with CPSO (50 and 100 mg/kg) and FLU (10 mg/kg) alone and in combination from day 16th to 36th. Group I: normal control; group II: diseased control (mCUS subjected group); group III: CPSO (50 mg/kg); group IV: CPSO (100 mg/kg); group V: CPSO (50 mg/kg)+FLU (10 mg/kg); group VI: CPSO (100 mg/kg)+FLU (10 mg/kg); group VII: FLU (10 mg/kg); group VIII: FLU (20 mg/kg). During experimentation, various behavioral, biochemical, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and neurotransmitters level were checked. The CUS treated mice exhibited increased escaped latency, decreased number of open arm entries, increased immobility time, decreased percentage of sucrose consumption, and number of the boxes crossed as compared to the normal group. The post-treatment with the CPSO 50 + FLU 10, CPSO 100 + FLU 10, FLU 10 significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated behavioral, biochemical, inflammation, corticosteroid, and neurotransmitters level as compared to CPSO 50, CPSO 100, and FLU 20 alone. CPSO along with FLU appreciably achieved anti-depressant effect via lowering stress, inflammation, corticosteroid level, and restoration of neurotransmitters level in mCUS induced depression mice model.

Association between albumin and depression: a population-based study

INTRODUCTION

Albumin is the most prevalent plasma protein and is involved in a variety of critical physiological processes. Low serum albumin levels have been linked to depression symptoms in people who had recent suicide attempts and those suffering from several mental diseases such as acute episodes of mania, and schizophrenia. However, there has been little investigation into the relationship between depression and serum albumin levels in community-dwelling persons. This research aimed to examine the relationship between serum albumin and depression in a population-based sample and whether it differs depending on other possible confounders.

METHODS

Our data were derived from a national household population study conducted in 2017 with a sample size of 3,521 Jordanians aged > 17 years old. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale, a self-administered scale, was used to screen for depression. Concentrations of serum albumin and other medical biomarkers were measured by blood tests. Using descriptive statistics for depression distribution and multivariate logistic regression analysis, the connection between albumin levels and depression was investigated.

RESULTS

The odds ratios (ORs) for depression were significantly lower in the third and fourth quartiles of serum albumin concentration compared to the first quartile (OR = 0.64 and 0.66, respectively; P values = <0.001 and <0.001, respectively). This association was statistically significant even after controlling for variables such as gender, age, marital status, education, and occupation (OR = 0.67 and 0.75, respectively, and P values = 0.001 and 0.02, respectively), as well as after further controlling for other health status variables such as nutrition, comorbidity, body mass index, somking status, and biomedical markers such as serum calcium, phosphate, and magnesium (OR = 0.58 and 0.59, respectively, and P values = <0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Moreover, the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios in the three regression models declined linearly with rising quartiles of serum albumin (P trend = <0.001, 0.009, and 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our research found an inverse relationship between serum albumin and depression. Serum albumin could be a warning measure for depression. It is required for appropriate intervention measures to be implemented.

Prefrontal Glutathione Levels in Major Depressive Disorder Are Linked to a Lack of Positive Affect

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders, with symptoms including persistent sadness and loss of interest. MDD is associated with neurochemical alterations in GABA, glutamate, and glutamine levels but, to date, few studies have examined changes in glutathione (GSH) in MDD. This study investigated changes in GSH in an unmedicated group of young adults, including 46 participants with current (n = 12) or past MDD (n = 34) and 20 healthy controls. Glutathione levels were assessed from GSH-edited magnetic resonance (MR) spectra, acquired from a voxel in the left prefrontal cortex, and depressive symptoms were evaluated with validated questionnaires and clinical assessments. Cortisol levels were also assessed as a marker for acute stress. Participants with current MDD demonstrated elevated GSH in comparison to participants with past MDD and controls, although the results could be influenced by differences in tissue composition within the MRS voxel. In addition, participants with both current and past MDD showed elevated cortisol levels in comparison to controls. No significant association was observed between GSH and cortisol levels, but elevated GSH levels were associated with a decrease in positive affect. These results demonstrate for the first time that elevated GSH in current but not past depression may reflect a state rather than a trait neurobiological change, related to a loss of positive affect.

The role of sociability in social instability stress: Behavioral, neuroendocrine and monoaminergic effects

Extensive literature has reported a link between social stress and mental health. In this complex relationship, individual strategies for coping with social stress are thought to have a possible modulating effect, with sociability being a key factor. Despite the higher incidence of affective disorders in females and sex-related neurochemical differences, female populations have been understudied. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to analyze the behavioral, neuroendocrine, and neurochemical effects of stress in female OF1 mice, paying special attention to social connectedness (female mice with high vs low sociability). To this end, subjects were exposed to the Chronic Social Instability Stress (CSIS) model for four weeks. Although female mice exposed to CSIS had increased arousal, there was no evidence of depressive-like behavior. Neither did exposure to CSIS affect corticosterone levels, although it did increase the MR/GR ratio by decreasing GR expression. Female mice exposed to CSIS had higher noradrenaline and dopamine levels in the hippocampus and striatum respectively, with a lower monoaminergic turnover, resulting in an increased arousal. CSIS increased serotonin levels in both the hippocampus and striatum. Similarly, CSIS was found to reduce kynurenic acid, 3-HK, and IDO and iNOS enzyme levels in the hippocampus. Interestingly, the observed decrease in IDO synthesis and the increased serotonin and dopamine levels in the striatum were only found in subjects with high sociability. These highly sociable female mice also had significantly lower levels of noradrenaline in the striatum after CSIS application. Overall, our model has produced neuroendocrine and neurochemical but not behavioral changes, so it has not allowed us to study sociability in depth. Therefore, a model that induces both molecular and behavioral phenotypes should be applied to determine the role of sociability.

Causality between sarcopenia-related traits and major depressive disorder: A bi-directional, two-sample Mendelian randomized study

Observational studies have demonstrated an association between sarcopenia and depression. However, these studies may be influenced by confounding factors, and the causal relationship between sarcopenia and major depressive disorder (MDD) remains unclear. This study aimed to apply the Mendelian randomization (MR) method to address confounding factors and assess the causal effect of sarcopenia on MDD. A two-way, two-sample MR method was employed in this study. Instrumental variables of genome-wide significance level were obtained from the open large-scale genome-wide association study summary data. MR analysis was conducted using inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median methods. The reliability of the results was verified using the heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out method for sensitivity analysis. Grip strength (right-hand grip strength: odds ratio [OR] = 0.880, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.786-0.987, P = .027; left-hand grip strength: OR = 0.814, 95% CI 0.725-0.913, P < .001) and usual walking pace (OR = 0.673, 95% CI 0.506-0.896, P = .007) exhibited a direct causal effect on MDD. MDD had a significant causal effect on appendicular lean mass (β = -0.065, 95% CI -0.110, -0.019, P = .005). There was a causal relationship between sarcopenia-related traits and MDD. Loss of muscle strength, rather than skeletal muscle mass, is correlated with an increased risk of MDD. Furthermore, individuals with MDD are more likely to experience loss of skeletal muscle mass.

Neurotoxicity of melittin: Role of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system in synaptic plasticity dysfunction

Melittin (Mel), a main active peptide component of bee venom, has been proven to possess strong antitumor activity. Previous studies have shown that Mel caused severe cell membrane lysis and acted on the central nervous system (CNS). Here, this study was designed to investigate the effects of Mel on CNS and explore the potential mechanism. We confirmed the neurotoxic effect of melittin by in vivo and in vitro experiments. After subcutaneous administration of Mel (4 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg) for 14 days, the mice exhibited obvious depression-like behavior in a dose dependent manner. Besides, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) signaling pathway was mostly enriched in hippocampus. Consistently, we found that Mel distinctly inhibited the activity of OXPHOS complex I and induced oxidative stress injury. Moreover, Mel significantly induced synaptic plasticity dysfunction in hippocampus via BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway. Taken together, the neurotoxic effect of Mel was involved in impairing OXPHOS system and hippocampal synaptic plasticity. These novel findings provide new insights into fully understanding the health risks of Mel and are conducive to the development of Mel related drugs.

Evaluation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase Pathway for Assessing the Antidepressant-like Effect of Glucosamine as a Radioprotector in Rats: Behavioral and Biochemical Studies

Radiotherapy is a very important tool in the treatment of cancer; nevertheless, its side effects are a hindrance to its use. The present study is designed to evaluate glucosamine effects against radiation-induced brain oxidative stress and depression-like effect in rats. Four groups of female Wister rats were used as control, irradiated (4 × 2 Gy), glucosamine (1 g/kg P.O), and glucosamine + irradiated group. The behavioral responses are estimated. The brain hippocampi of the rats are separated to evaluate oxidative stress biochemical parameters and glycogen synthase kinase pathway in addition to the biogenic amines. Irradiation exposure led to disturbances in the behavioral assessments (forced swimming test, light-dark box, and open field test) and a significant decrease in brain GSH, neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), and phosphorylated protein kinase-B (p-AKT) levels. Additionally, MDA and ROS levels increased significantly post-irradiation along with the phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase (p-GSK3). Glucosamine administration before irradiation caused improvement in the behavioral valuations and the biochemical parameters in the brain as well. Glucosamine might be used as a radioprotector to improve brain function and as an antidepressant drug. It could be promising as a future therapy in managing depression occurring during radiotherapy.

Depression associated with dietary intake of flavonoids: An analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2010

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids may have a protective effect against depression. The purpose of this study was to examine whether flavonoid intake was associated with depression.

METHODS

This is an observational cross-sectional study. We evaluated a sample of 8183 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2010. The participants had an average age of 46.7 years, and 48.4% of them were male. Flavonoid intake was obtained through dietary recall interviews, and it included six subclasses: isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, and flavonols. Depression was identified using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Logistic regression was utilized to evaluate the association between flavonoid intake and depression. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were utilized to investigate nonlinear associations. Differences between subgroups were explored. Mediation analysis was used to explore confounding/mediating factors. These models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, poverty status, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption, BMI, energy intake, physical activity, and chronic diseases.

RESULTS

There were 765 individuals with depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) in the sample. After adjusting for covariates, flavanones, flavones, and total flavonoid intake were associated with a lower likelihood of depression (OR (95% CI): 0.73(0.64,0.84); 0.36(0.21,0.63); 0.86(0.74,0.99), respectively). A significant inverse correlation was observed between flavonoid consumption and the somatic symptom score of the PHQ-9. We observed a stronger association between flavonoids and depression in non-Hispanic white groups. The relationship between the total flavonoid intake and depression was explained to some extent by sleep duration (13.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Flavonoid intake was associated with lower odds of depression.

Dietary niacin intake in relation to depression among adults: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that an antioxidant diet is a protective factor against depression. However, the association between niacin, an important antioxidant consumed from the diet, and depression has received little attention. Therefore, we explored the association between niacin intake and depression through a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2016.

METHODS

Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, score ≥ 10). Niacin intake was assessed through 24-h dietary recall interviews. The relationship of niacin intake with depression among adults in US was assessed by using a weighted multiple logistic regression model with subgroup analysis. Non-linear associations were explored using restricted cubic spline models. And we used a two-piece-wise logistic regression model with smoothing to explore the threshold for association between them.

RESULTS

A total of 16,098 adults were included in this study. Compared with individuals with lowest niacin intake Q1 (≤ 15.96 mg/day), the adjusted OR values for dietary niacin intake and depression in Q2 (15.97-22.86 mg/day), Q3 (22.87-32.28 mg/day) and Q4 (≥ 32.29 mg/day), were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.70-1.20), 0.76 (95% CI: 0.56-0.99,) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.48-0.98), respectively. The results were not modified by sex, by age and by BMI. Furthermore, the relationship between dietary niacin intake and depression exhibited a U-shaped curve (nonlinear, p < 0.001). And depression risk was lowest when dietary consumption of niacin was around 36 mg/day.

CONCLUSIONS

In present study, moderate niacin intake, but not high intake, was associated with lower odds of depression suggesting a U-shaped association.

Metabolic syndrome, adiposity, diet, and emotional eating are associated with oxidative stress in adolescents

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS), a condition related to adiposity and oxidative stress, can develop in adolescence, a critical stage in life that impacts health in adulthood. However, there is scarce scientific research about the relationship between lifestyle factors, emotion management, and oxidative stress in this phase of life.

Aim

To analyze whether nutritional parameters, lifestyle factors, emotion management, and MS in adolescents are associated with oxidative stress measured by the biomarker 8-isoprostane.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 132 adolescents (48.5% girls, aged 12 ± 0.48 years) and data were collected on nutritional parameters (anthropometric measurements, biochemical analyzes, and blood pressure), lifestyle factors (physical activity, sleep, and diet), and emotion management (self-esteem, emotional eating, and mood). 8-isoprostane was analyzed in spot urine samples. The study population was categorized in three groups (healthy, at-risk, and with MS) using the International Diabetes Federation definition of MS in adolescents. To capture more complex interactions, a multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association between 8-isoprostane and the aforementioned variables.

Results

Urinary 8-isoprostane levels were significantly higher in the MS group compared to the healthy group (1,280 ± 543 pg./mg vs. 950 ± 416 pg./mg respectively). In addition, univariable analysis revealed positive significant associations between 8-isoprostane and body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage, blood lipid profile and glucose, emotional eating, and refined cereal intake. Conversely, a negative significant association was found between 8-isoprostane and sleep duration and fish intake. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed associations between 8-isoprostane and LDL-c (β = 0.173 value of p = 0.049), emotional eating (low β = 0.443, value of p = 0.036; high β = 0.152, value of p = 0.470), refined cereal intake (β =0.191, value of p = 0.024), and fish intake (β = -0.187, value of p = 0.050).

Conclusion

The MS group, LDL-c, emotional eating, and high refined cereals and low fish intakes were associated with higher levels of oxidative stress in an adolescent population.

The Intertwining Roads between Psychological Distress and Gut Microbiota in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease represents one of the most life-altering gastrointestinal pathologies, with its multifactorial nature and unclear physiopathology. The most relevant clinical forms, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, clinically manifest with mild to severe flares and remission periods that alter the patient's social, familial and professional integration. The chronic inflammatory activity of the intestinal wall determines severe modifications of the local environment, such as dysbiosis, enteric endocrine, nervous and immune system disruptions and intestinal wall permeability changes. These features are part of the gastrointestinal ecosystem that modulates the bottom-to-top signaling to the central nervous system, leading to a neurobiologic imbalance and clinical affective and/or behavioral symptoms. The gut-brain link is a bidirectional pathway and psychological distress can also affect the central nervous system, which will alter the top-to-bottom regulation, leading to possible functional digestive symptoms and local inflammatory responses. In the middle of this neuro-gastrointestinal system, the microbiome is a key player, as its activities offer basic functional support for both relays. The present article presents current scientific information that links the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of inflammatory bowel disease and psychiatric symptomatology through the complex mechanism of the gut-brain axis and the modulatory effects of the gut microbiota.

Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of Plants and Plant-Based Medicines: Relevance to Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects

Oxidative stress is a common characteristic of psychiatric, neurological, and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, compounds that are neuroprotective and reduce oxidative stress may be of interest as novel therapeutics. Phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin content, ORAC and DPPH free radical scavenging, and Cu2+ and Fe2+ chelating capacities were examined in variations (fresh/capsule) of Queen Garnet plum (QGP, Prunus salicina), black pepper (Piper nigrum) clove (Syzygium aromaticum), elderberry (Sambucus nigra), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and sage (Salvia officinalis), plus two blends (Astralagus membranaceus-lemon balm-rich, WC and R8). The ability of samples to prevent and treat H2O2-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells was investigated. Pre-treatment with WC, elderberry, QGP, and clove prevented the oxidative stress-induced reduction in cell viability, demonstrating a neuroprotective effect. Elderberry increased cell viability following oxidative stress induction, demonstrating treatment effects. Clove had the highest phenolic and flavonoid content, DPPH, and Cu2+ chelating capacities, whereas QGP and elderberry were highest in anthocyanins. Black pepper had the highest ORAC and Fe2+ chelating capacity. These findings demonstrate that plant extracts can prevent and treat oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of neuron-like cells in vitro. Further research into phytochemicals as novel therapeutics for oxidative stress in the brain is needed.

Weekend warrior physical activity pattern is associated with lower depression risk: Findings from NHANES 2007-2018

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the association between weekend warrior physical activity (PA) pattern and depression risk in American adults.

METHODS

Data of adults (n = 21,125) from NHANES 2007-2018 were used. Adults were categorized into 4 PA patterns (inactive, insufficiently active, weekend warrior, and regularly active) by self-reported PA levels. Participant characteristics in different groups were tested using the Rao & Scott adjusted χ2 test. Multivariate logistic regression models with adjustment for demographics data, behavioral factors and health condition were used to explore the association between PA patterns and depression risk. Finally, interaction analyses were conducted to test if the associations differ by gender, age, race, education level, income level and marital status.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression models showed that insufficiently active, weekend warrior and regularly active adults had 31% (OR: 0.69, 95%CI:0.54-0.88), 57% (OR: 0.43, 95%CI:0.25-0.74) and 54% (OR: 0.46, 95%CI:0.39-0.54) reduced depression risk when compared with inactive adults, respectively. When compared with regularly active adults, inactive (OR: 2.188, 95%CI:1.842-2.600) and insufficiently active (OR: 1.505, 95%CI:1.159-1.955) adults had elevated depression risk, but no significant difference was found between weekend warrior (OR: 0.949, 95%CI:0.538-1.675) and regularly active adults. Moreover, the associations did not differ by demographic variables.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that adults who engaged in either regularly active pattern or weekend warrior pattern, experienced lower risk of depression compared to inactive adults. Weekend warrior and regularly active patterns showed similar benefits for lowering depression risk in adults, encouraging adults to take up PA in limited sessions.

The effect of curcumin on reserpine-induced depression-like behaviour in rats

The aim of this study was to construct an animal model of depression that reproduces the human clinical manifestation, to evaluate the possible benefits of curcumin (CUR) in the treatment of depression and to compare its effect with the effect of a classic antidepressant, escitalopram (ESC). The behavior of depressive-like animals induced by administration of 1.5 mg/kg i. p. reserpine (R), during 10 days (n = 24) was evaluated via the open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) compared to control animals (n = 24) treated with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) used as a vehicle. On the 11th day, each group was divided into 3 subgroups (n = 8): control (CMC), CMC+CUR, CMC+ESC for group without depression and CMC+R, CMC+R+CUR, CMC+R+ESC for group with depression. CUR (150 mg/kg i.p.) and ESC (20 mg/kg i.p.) were intraperitoneally administrated for 21 days. The improvement in depressive behaviour was assessed by OFT, EPM and biochemical analysis on the 32nd day. The results demonstrated that R induced hypomotility and increased oxidative stress in the brain, but also in the serum of rats. CUR had an antioxidant effect in the brain without significant effect on depressive-like behaviour while ESC improved the hypomotility of the depressive rats.

Association of formaldehyde concentration with depression risk in US adults: a population-based epidemiology study

The association of formaldehyde exposure with depression remains unknown. We used the data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016 to evaluate the association between formaldehyde exposure and depression. Multivariable logistic regressions and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were implemented to examine the association between formaldehyde exposure and depression. A total of 1336 participants were included in the analysis, of which 110 (8.23%) participants were depressed. After adjusting for confounders, a significant association between formaldehyde exposure and depression (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02, P = 0.043) was observed. The RCS plot showed a positive association in a linear manner (PNonlinear = 0.109), and the risk began to rise rapidly with concentrations above 129.37 nmol/g HB. The positive association remained in participants with high-intensity physical activity (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.13, P = 0.003), but not in participants with other physical activities. Moreover, we constructed a novel nomogram to easily estimate the individual-specific probabilities of depression. In conclusion, formaldehyde exposure was associated with an elevated risk of depression, and the effect exhibited differences in participants with different levels of physical activity.

Neuroprotective effect of quercetin and nano-quercetin against cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in the rat brain: Role of Nrf2/ HO-1/Keap-1 signaling pathway

Quercetin (Qu) is a powerful flavanol antioxidant that is naturally found in plants and is part of the flavonoid family. Qu has a wide range of biological properties, such as neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and radical scavenging capabilities. However, the in vivo application of Qu is limited by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. These issues could be addressed by utilizing Qu nanoformulations. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent that causes severe neuronal damage and cognitive impairment due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. The present study aimed to explore the proposed neuroprotective mechanism of quercetin (Qu) and quercetin-loaded Chitosan nanoparticles (Qu-Ch NPs) against the brain oxidative damage induced by CP in male albino rats. For this aim, thirty-six adult male rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). Rats were pretreated with Qu and Qu-Ch NPs orally in doses of 10 mg/kg bwt/day for 2 weeks, and CP (75 mg/kg bwt) was administered intraperitoneally 24 h before the termination of the experiment. After 2 weeks, some neurobehavioral parameters were evaluated, and then euthanization was done to collect the brain and blood samples. Results showed that CP induces neurobehavioral deteriorations and impaired brain neurochemical status demonstrated by a significant decrease in brain glutathione (GSH), serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and serotonin (5-HT) levels while malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and choline esterase (ChE) concentrations increased significantly compared to the control group. Pretreatment with Qu and Qu-Ch NPs showed a significant anti-oxidative, anti-depressive, and neuroprotective effect through modification of the above-mentioned parameters. The results were further validated by assessing the expression levels of selected genes in brain homogenates and histopathological investigations were done to pinpoint the exact brain-altered regions. It could be concluded that Qu and Qu-Ch NPs can be useful neuroprotective adjunct therapy to overcome neurochemical damage induced by CP.

Targeting inflammatory pathways for treatment of the major depressive disorder

Current treatments modalities for major depressive disorder (MDD) mainly target the monoaminergic neurotransmission. However, the therapeutic inadequacy and adverse effects confine the use of these conventional antidepressants to a limited subset of MDD patients. The classical antidepressants are increasingly proving unsatisfactory in tackling the treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Hence, the focus of treatment is shifting to alternative pathogenic pathways involved in depression. Preclinical and clinical evidences accumulated across the last decades have unequivocally affirmed the causative role of immuno-inflammatory pathways in the progression of depression. There is an upsurge in the clinical evaluations of the drugs having anti-inflammatory effects as antidepressants. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms connecting the inflammatory pathways to the MDD and current clinical status of inflammation modulating drugs in the treatment of MDD.

LHPP-mediated inorganic pyrophosphate hydrolysis-driven lysosomal acidification in astrocytes regulates adult neurogenesis

In bacteria, archaea, protists, and plants, the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate (PPi) by inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPase) can, under stress conditions, substitute for ATP-driven proton flux to generate a proton gradient and induce luminal acidification. However, this strategy is considered to be lost in eukaryotes. Here, we report that LHPP, a poorly understood PPase that exhibits activity at acidic pH, is primarily expressed in astrocytes and partly localized on lysosomal membranes. Under stress conditions, LHPP is recruited to vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) and facilitates V-ATPase-dependent proton transport and lysosomal acidification by hydrolyzing PPi. LHPP knockout (KO) mice have no discernable phenotype but are resilient to chronic-stress-induced depression-like behaviors. Mechanistically, LHPP deficiency prevents lysosome-dependent degradation of C/EBPβ and induces the expression of a group of chemokines that promote adult neurogenesis. Together, these findings suggest that LHPP is likely to be a therapeutic target for stress-related brain disease.

Exosome-sheathed ROS-responsive nanogel to improve targeted therapy in perimenopausal depression

The development of natural membranes as coatings for nanoparticles to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents an effective approach for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In this study, we have designed a nanogel loaded with PACAP and estrogen (E2), sheathed with exosomes and responsive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), denoted as HA NGs@exosomes. The objective of this novel design is to serve as a potent drug carrier for the targeted treatment of perimenopausal depression. The efficient cellular uptake and BBB penetration of HA NGs@exosomes has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Following intranasal intervention with HA NGs@exosomes, ovariectomized mice under chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) have shown improved behavioral performance, indicating that HA NGs@exosomes produced a rapid-onset antidepressant effect. Moreover, HA NGs@exosomes exhibit notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may regulate the expression of pivotal proteins in the PACAP/PAC1 pathway to promote synaptic plasticity. Our results serve as a proof-of-concept for the utility of exosome-sheathed ROS-responsive nanogel as a promising drug carrier for the treatment of perimenopausal depression.

The emerging role of copper in depression

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element in the brain and serves as an important cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in a wide range of biochemical processes including neurobehavioral, mitochondrial respiration, and antioxidant effects. Recent studies have demonstrated that copper dyshomeostasis is tightly associated with the development of depression by inducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. However, these findings have remained controversial so far. Cumulative studies have shown a positive association, while some other studies showed no association and even a negative association between serum/plasma copper level and depression. Based on these conflicted results, the association was speculated to be due to the clinical features of the population, stages of the disease, severity of copper excess, and types of specimens detected in these studies. In addition, there was an inverse association between dietary copper intake and depression. Furthermore, increasing copper intake could influence dietary zinc and iron intake to prevent and treat depression. Thus, copper supplementation may be a good measure to manage depression. This review provided a deeper understanding of the potential applicability of copper in the prevention and treatment of depression.