Hesperetin ameliorates diabetes-associated anxiety and depression-like behaviors in rats via activating Nrf2/ARE pathway

Unveiling the impact of aging on BBB and Alzheimer's disease: Factors and therapeutic implications

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative condition that has devastating effects on individuals, often resulting in dementia. AD is primarily defined by the presence of extracellular plaques containing insoluble β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein (P-tau). In addition, individuals afflicted by these age-related illnesses experience a diminished state of health, which places significant financial strain on their loved ones. Several risk factors play a significant role in the development of AD. These factors include genetics, diet, smoking, certain diseases (such as cerebrovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia), age, and alcohol consumption. Age-related factors are key contributors to the development of vascular-based neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. In general, the process of aging can lead to changes in the immune system's responses and can also initiate inflammation in the brain. The chronic inflammation and the inflammatory mediators found in the brain play a crucial role in the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Furthermore, maintaining BBB integrity is of utmost importance in preventing a wide range of neurological disorders. Therefore, in this review, we discussed the role of age and its related factors in the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and the development of AD. We also discussed the importance of different compounds, such as those with anti-aging properties, and other compounds that can help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier in the prevention of AD. This review builds a strong correlation between age-related factors, degradation of the BBB, and its impact on AD.

Hesperetin ameliorates spinal cord injury in rats through suppressing apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response

Spinal cord injury (SCI), a fatal condition, is characterized by progressive tissue degradation and extreme functional deficits with limited treatment options. Hesperetin, a natural flavonoid with potent antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, has yet to be systematically investigated for its therapeutic effects on neurological damage in rat models of SCI. In this study, rats were given oral hesperetin once daily for 28 days, and their locomotion and histopathological changes were assessed. The findings demonstrated that hesperetin alleviates neurological damage caused by SCI. The observed behavioral improvement could be due to an increase in the survival rate of neurons and oligodendrocytes. This improvement further boosted the ability to repair tissue and form myelin after SCI, ultimately resulting in better neurological outcomes. Furthermore, the present study revealed that hesperetin possesses potent antioxidant capabilities in the context of SCI, reducing the levels of harmful oxygen free radicals and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, hesperetin markedly inhibited injury-induced apoptosis, as assessed by caspase-3 immunofluorescence staining and the expression level of caspase-3, indicating the ability of hesperetin to prevent cell death after SCI. Finally, after SCI, hesperetin treatment effectively reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, TNFα, and NF-kB, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory effect of hesperetin. Together, our results suggest that hesperetin should be considered a valuable therapeutic aid following SCI, as its positive effects on the nervous system, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects, may be crucial mechanisms through which hesperetin exerts neuroprotective effects against SCI.

Electroacupuncture reduces oxidative stress response and improves secondary injury of intracerebral hemorrhage in rats by activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ/nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2/γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase pathway

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe stroke subtype. Secondary injury is a key factor leading to neurological deficits after ICH. Electroacupuncture (EA) can improve the neurological function after ICH, however, its internal mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether EA could ameliorate secondary injury after ICH through antioxidative stress and its potential regulatory mechanism. A rat model of ICH was established by injecting autologous blood into striatum. After the intervention of EA and EA combined with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) blocker, Zea-longa scores, modified neurological severity scores and open field tests were used to evaluate the neurological function of the rats. Flow cytometry detected tissue reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Tissue tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The protein expressions of PPAR γ, nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) were detected by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the activation of microglia. The demyelination degree of axon myelin was observed by transmission electron microscope. Compared with the model group, EA intervention improved neurological function, decreased ROS and TNF-α levels, increased the protein expression of PPARγ, Nrf2 and γ-GCS, and reduced the activation of microglia, it also alleviated axonal myelin sheath damage. In addition, the neuroprotective effect of EA was partially attenuated by PPARγ blocker. EA ameliorated the neurological function of secondary injury after ICH in rats, possibly by activating the PPARγ/Nrf2/γ-GCS signaling pathway, reducing microglia activation, and inhibiting oxidative stress, thus alleviating the extent of axonal demyelination plays a role.

Fabrication and characterization of gold nanoparticles using alginate: In vitro and in vivo assessment of its administration effects with swimming exercise on diabetic rats

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have unique features that might lead to the development of a new class of diabetic medicines. AuNPs were biosynthesized utilizing sodium-alginate. UV-Vis-spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray were used to examine the particles. The potential of AuNPs for improving the diabetes condition was examined along with swimming in rats. FESEM image revealed the spherical morphology with an average particle size of 106.6 ± 20.8 nm. In the diabetic group, serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly higher than the control group. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was significantly higher and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly lower in the diabetic group compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also significantly higher in the D group. However, in the groups treated with swimming and gold, these parameters were significantly improved. Specifically, serum-glucose, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, and TG levels were significantly reduced, while LDL was significantly decreased in the diabetic + swimming + AuNPs group and HDL was significantly increased in the diabetic + AuNPs group. MDA levels were significantly decreased in the treated groups, and other antioxidants were significantly improved in the diabetic + swimming + AuNPs group. Catalase levels were also significantly improved in the D + gold group. It can be concluded that both AuNPs and swimming can decrease diabetic complications.

Targeting autophagy to counteract neuroinflammation: A novel antidepressant strategy

Depression is a common disease that affects physical and mental health and imposes a considerable burden on afflicted individuals and their families worldwide. Depression is associated with a high rate of disability and suicide. It causes a severe decline in productivity and quality of life. Unfortunately, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depression have not been fully elucidated, and the risk of its treatment is still presented. Studies have shown that the expression of autophagic markers in the brain and peripheral inflammatory mediators are dysregulated in depression. Autophagy-related genes regulate the level of autophagy and change the inflammatory response in depression. Depression is related to several aspects of immunity. The regulation of the immune system and inflammation by autophagy may lead to the development or deterioration of mental disorders. This review highlights the role of autophagy and neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of depression, sumaries the autophagy-targeting small moleculars, and discusses a novel therapeutic strategy based on anti-inflammatory mechanisms that target autophagy to treat the disease.

Antioxidant responses driven by Hesperetin and Hesperidin counteract Parkinson's disease-like phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster

The study investigated the protective effects of Hesperetin (HSP) and Hesperidin (HSD) on 1 methyl, 4 phenyl, 1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP)-induced Parkinsonism in Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster). After a lifespan study to select exposure time and concentrations, flies were co-exposed to MPTP (0.4 mg/g diet), Hesperetin (0.2 and 0.4 mg/g diet), and Hesperidin (0.1 and 0.4 mg/g) for 7 days. In addition to in vivo parameters, we assayed some markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, thiol content, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrate/nitrite levels, mRNA expression of Keap-1 (Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1), /Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2), catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities), and cholinergic (acetyl cholinesterase activity (AChE) and dopaminergic signaling content and the mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), monoamine oxidase (MAO-like) activity). In addition to increasing the lifespan of flies, we found that both flavonoids counteracted the adverse effects of MPTP on survival, offspring emergence, and climbing ability of flies. Both flavonoids also reduced the oxidative damage on lipids and proteins and reestablished the basal levels of pro-oxidant species and activities of antioxidant enzymes in MPTP-exposed flies. These responses were accompanied by the normalization of the mRNA expression of Keap1/Nrf2 disrupted in flies exposed to MPTP. MPTP exposure also elicited changes in mRNA expression and content of TH as well as in MAO and AChE activity, which were reversed by HST and HSD. By efficiently hindering the oxidative stress in MPTP-exposed flies, our findings support the promising role of Hesperetin and Hesperidin as adjuvant therapy to manage Parkinsonism induced by chemicals such as MPTP.

Low-dose Esketamine suppresses NLRP3-mediated apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death in microglial cells to ameliorate LPS-induced depression via ablating GSK-3β

Esketamine is verified as a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of depression, but it is still unclear the detailed underlying mechanisms by which Esketamine ameliorates depression-related symptoms, which seriously limits the utilization of this drug in clinical practices. In this study, the C57BL6/J mice and mouse primary microglial cells were subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive models in vivo and in vitro, and our results confirmed that LPS-induced neuroinflammation, pyroptotic and apoptotic death contributed to the development of LPS-induced depressive symptoms. Then, the following experiments verified that low-dose Esketamine treatment decreased the expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-18 to restrain cellular inflammation, downregulated NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β and GSDMD-N to hamper pyroptotic cell death, and inhibited cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, but upregulated Bcl-2 to restrict apoptotic cell death in the LPS-treated mice hippocampus tissues and mouse microglial cells, leading to the suppression of depression development. However, high-dose Esketamine did not have those effects. Next, by conducting mechanical experiments, we verified that low-dose Esketamine downregulated GSK-3β to inactivate NLRP3 inflammasome, and the effects of low-dose Esketamine on cell pyroptosis, neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the LPS-treated microglial cells were all abrogated by overexpressing GSK-3β and NLRP3. Taken together, low-dose Esketamine ameliorated LPS-induced depressive symptoms in mice through regulating the GSK-3β/NLRP3 pathway, and our work suggested that appropriate doses of Esketamine were essential for the treatment of depression in clinic.

The effect of ellagic acid on the metabolic syndrome: A review article

Objective

(s): Metabolic syndrome is a collection of metabolic abnormalities that includes hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. Ellagic acid is found in various fruits and vegetables. It has been reported to have several pharmacological properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, chemopreventive, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, and antidiabetic. Our current study aims to shed light on the probable efficiency of ellagic acid in managing metabolic syndrome and its complications.

Materials and methods

To prepare the present review, the databases or search engines utilized included Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, and relevant articles have been gathered with no time limit until March 2023.

Results

Several investigations indicated that ellagic acid could be a potent compound for the treatment of many disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia by various mechanisms, including increasing insulin secretion, insulin receptor substrate protein 1 expression, regulating glucose transporter 4, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), attenuating tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidative stress in related tissues. Furthermore, ellagic acid ameliorates mitochondrial function, upregulates uncoupling protein 1 (found in brown and white adipose tissues), and regulates blood levels of nitrate/nitrite and vascular relaxations in response to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside.

Conclusion

Ellagic acid can treat or manage metabolic syndrome and associated complications, according to earlier studies. To validate the beneficial effects of ellagic acid on metabolic syndrome, additional preclinical and clinical research is necessary.

Oxidative stress, the blood-brain barrier and neurodegenerative diseases: The critical beneficial role of dietary antioxidants

In recent years, growing awareness of the role of oxidative stress in brain health has prompted antioxidants, especially dietary antioxidants, to receive growing attention as possible treatments strategies for patients with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The most widely studied dietary antioxidants include active substances such as vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols. Dietary antioxidants are found in usually consumed foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and oils and are gaining popularity due to recently growing awareness of their potential for preventive and protective agents against NDs, as well as their abundant natural sources, generally non-toxic nature, and ease of long-term consumption. This review article examines the role of oxidative stress in the development of NDs, explores the 'two-sidedness' of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as a protective barrier to the nervous system and an impeding barrier to the use of antioxidants as drug medicinal products and/or dietary antioxidants supplements for prevention and therapy and reviews the BBB permeability of common dietary antioxidant suplements and their potential efficacy in the prevention and treatment of NDs. Finally, current challenges and future directions for the prevention and treatment of NDs using dietary antioxidants are discussed, and useful information on the prevention and treatment of NDs is provided.

Shortened Daily Photoperiod Alleviates Anxiety-like Behaviour by Antioxidant Effect and Changes Serum Fatty Acid Profile in Diabetic Rats

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of a shortened daily photoperiod on anxiety-like behaviour, brain oxidative stress, lipid status and fatty acid composition of serum lipids in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model of diabetes mellitus in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: first group-control group (C_12/12); second group-diabetic group (DM_12/12; 100 mg/kg STZ); third group-control group exposed to a light/dark cycle 6/18 h (C_6/18); fourth group-diabetic group exposed to a light/dark cycle 6/18 h (DM_6/18). Anxiety-like behaviour was tested three weeks following STZ injection by elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field test (OFT). Oxidative stress parameters were measured in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamus, while lipid status and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were measured in the serum. Both EPM and OFT showed a lower degree of anxiety-like behaviour in the DM_6/18 vs. DM_12/12 group. Lipid peroxidation in the cortex, hippocampus and thalamus was significantly lower in the DM_6/18 vs. DM_12/12 group (p < 0.05), associated with an increased level of antioxidant enzymes and protein thiols in the cortex and thalamus. In the DM_6/18 group, oleic, vaccenic, dihomo-γ-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were significantly higher in comparison to the DM_12/12 group. A shortened daily photoperiod alleviates anxiety-like behaviour in diabetic rats by reduced lipid peroxidation and changes in the serum fatty acids profile.

Nrf2 signaling in diabetic nephropathy, cardiomyopathy and neuropathy: Therapeutic targeting, challenges and future prospective

Western lifestyle contributes to an overt increase in the prevalence of metabolic anomalies including diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity. Prevalence of DM is rapidly growing worldwide, affecting many individuals in both developing and developed countries. DM is correlated with the onset and development of complications with diabetic nephropathy (DN), diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) and diabetic neuropathy being the most devastating pathological events. On the other hand, Nrf2 is a regulator for redox balance in cells and accounts for activation of antioxidant enzymes. Dysregulation of Nrf2 signaling has been shown in various human diseases such as DM. This review focuses on the role Nrf2 signaling in major diabetic complications and targeting Nrf2 for treatment of this disease. These three complications share similarities including the presence of oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Onset and development of fibrosis impairs organ function, while oxidative stress and inflammation can evoke damage to cells. Activation of Nrf2 signaling significantly dampens inflammation and oxidative damage, and is beneficial in retarding interstitial fibrosis in diabetic complications. SIRT1 and AMPK are among the predominant pathways to upregulate Nrf2 expression in the amelioration of DN, DC and diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, certain therapeutic agents such as resveratrol and curcumin, among others, have been employed in promoting Nrf2 expression to upregulate HO-1 and other antioxidant enzymes in the combat of oxidative stress in the face of DM.

The Nrf2 Pathway in Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Animal and Human Studies

There is increasing interest in the involvement of antioxidative systems in protecting from depression. Among these, Nrf2 occupies a central place. We aimed to review the role of Nrf2 in depression. For this reason, we conducted a PubMed search using as search strategy (psychiatr*[ti] OR schizo*[ti] OR psychot*[ti] OR psychos*[ti] OR depress*[ti] OR MDD[ti] OR BD[ti] OR bipolar[ti] OR Anxiety[ti] OR antidepress*[ti] OR panic[ti] OR obsess*[ti] OR compulsio*[ti] OR “mood disord*”[ti] OR phobi*[ti] OR agoraphob*[ti] OR anorex*[ti] OR anorect*[ti] OR bulimi*[ti] OR “eating disorder*”[ti] OR neurodevelopm*[ti] OR retardation[ti] OR autism[ti] OR autistic[ti] OR ASM[ti] OR adhd[ti] OR “attention-deficit”[ti]) AND nrf2, which on the 9th of March produced 208 results of which 89 were eligible for our purposes. Eligible articles were studies reporting data of Nrf2 manipulations or content by any treatment in human patients or animals with any animal model of depression. Most studies were on mice only (N = 58), 20 on rats only, and three on both rats and mice. There were two studies on cell lines (in vitro) and one each on nematodes and fish. Only four studies were conducted in humans, one of which was post mortem. Most studies were conducted on male animals; however, human studies were carried out on both men and women. The results indicate that Nrf2 is lower in depression and that antidepressant methods (drugs or other methods) increase it. Antioxidant systems and plasticity-promoting molecules, such as those in the Nrf2–HO-1, BDNF–TrkB, and cyclic AMP–CREB pathways, could protect from depression, while glycogen synthase kinase-3β and nuclear factor κB oppose these actions, thus increasing depressive-like behaviours. Since Nrf2 is also endowed with tumorigenic and atherogenic potential, the balance between benefits and harms must be taken into account in designing novel drugs aiming at increasing the intracellular content of Nrf2.

The benefits of hesperidin in central nervous system disorders, based on the neuroprotective effect

Disorders of central nervous system (CNS) disorders are considered serious health issues. The most common CNS diseases include neurodegenerative diseases, mental disorders, demyelinating disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and neuroinflammation. As a natural phenolic compound, hesperidin is a flavanone glycoside with various biological effects. Increasing evidence show that the growth of CNS diseases is hindered by hesperidin. Here, we have reviewed the related literature on neuropharmacological mechanisms for the preventive and therapeutic effects of hesperidin on CNS diseases. Several cellular and animal models have been developed to evaluate the underlying neuropharmacological mechanisms of hesperidin. Additionally, clinical evidence has confirmed its neuroprotective function. Hesperidin exerts its neuroprotective properties by decreasing neuro-inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Hesperidin function has been studied in preclinical models for CNS diseases, but little is known about its definite effect in humans. Hesperidin can effectively alleviate depression and improve cognition and memory. It is urgent to explore and discover clinical trials for further confirmation of the neuroprotective efficacy of hesperidin and to evaluate its safety profile.

Neuroprotective Potentials of Flavonoids: Experimental Studies and Mechanisms of Action

Neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those related to aging, are on the rise, but drug therapies are rarely curative. Functional disorders and the organic degeneration of nervous tissue often have complex causes, in which phenomena of oxidative stress, inflammation and cytotoxicity are intertwined. For these reasons, the search for natural substances that can slow down or counteract these pathologies has increased rapidly over the last two decades. In this paper, studies on the neuroprotective effects of flavonoids (especially the two most widely used, hesperidin and quercetin) on animal models of depression, neurotoxicity, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease are reviewed. The literature on these topics amounts to a few hundred publications on in vitro and in vivo models (notably in rodents) and provides us with a very detailed picture of the action mechanisms and targets of these substances. These include the decrease in enzymes that produce reactive oxygen and ferroptosis, the inhibition of mono-amine oxidases, the stimulation of the Nrf2/ARE system, the induction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor production and, in the case of AD, the prevention of amyloid-beta aggregation. The inhibition of neuroinflammatory processes has been documented as a decrease in cytokine formation (mainly TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) by microglia and astrocytes, by modulating a number of regulatory proteins such as Nf-kB and NLRP3/inflammasome. Although clinical trials on humans are still scarce, preclinical studies allow us to consider hesperidin, quercetin, and other flavonoids as very interesting and safe dietary molecules to be further investigated as complementary treatments in order to prevent neurodegenerative diseases or to moderate their deleterious effects.

Interactions of Apigenin and Safranal with the 5HT1A and 5HT2A Receptors and Behavioral Effects in Depression and Anxiety: A Molecular Docking, Lipid-Mediated Molecular Dynamics, and In Vivo Analysis

BACKGROUND

The current study utilizes in silico molecular docking/molecular dynamics to evaluate the binding affinity of apigenin and safranal with 5HT1AR/5HT2AR, followed by assessment of in vivo effects of these compounds on depressive and anxious behavior.

METHODS

The docking between apigenin and safranal and the 5HT1A and 5HT2A receptors was performed utilizing AutoDock Vina software, while MD and protein-lipid molecular dynamics simulations were executed by AMBER16 software. For in vivo analysis, healthy control (HC), disease control (DC), fluoxetine-, and apigenin-safranal-treated rats were tested for changes in depression and anxiety using the forced swim test (FST) and the elevated plus-maze test (EPMT), respectively.

RESULTS

The binding affinity estimations identified the superior interacting capacity of apigenin over safranal for 5HT1A/5HT2A receptors over 200 ns MD simulations. Both compounds exhibit oral bioavailability and absorbance. In the rodent model, there was a significant increase in the overall mobility time in the FST, while in the EPMT, there was a decrease in latency and an increase in the number of entries for the treated and HC rats compared with the DC rats, suggesting a reduction in depressive/anxiety symptoms after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analyses suggest apigenin and safranal as prospective medication options to treat depression and anxiety.

Hesperetin, a Promising Treatment Option for Diabetes and Related Complications: A Literature Review

The morbidity and mortality of diabetes have increased dramatically in recent decades. Novel strategies for treating diabetes and its complications with minimal side effects are in urgent need. New monomeric molecules extracted from herbal medicine, which is a form of alternative medicine, are being sought as drug candidates for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Hesperetin (Hst), a citrus flavonoid, is of increasing interest in scientific studies recently due to its properties in combating diabetes and its complications, whereas existing studies are scattered and unsystematic. Here, we summarized the literature studies over the last 10 years to review the potential therapeutic role of Hst in the prevention and mitigation of diabetes and its complications, intending to provide promising strategies for the clinical management of diabetes and its complications.

Associations of Dietary Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene Intake With Depression. A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Objective

To clarify the associations of dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake with depression based on a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Methods

An extensive literature search on February 2022 (PubMed, Web of Science and Embase) was employed to identify observational studies on the associations of dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake with depression. The pooled relative risk (RR) of depression for the highest vs. lowest dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake category, and the standard mean difference (SMD) of dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake for depression vs. control subjects, were calculated.

Results

A total of 25 observational studies (100,955 participants), which included 24 cross-sectional/case-control and 1 prospective cohort study, were included in this study. The overall multi-variable adjusted RR demonstrated that dietary vitamin A intake was inversely associated with depression (RR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.70–1.00; P = 0.05). In addition, the combined SMD showed that the dietary vitamin A intake in depression was also lower than that in control subjects (SMD = −0.13, 95%CI: −0.18 to −0.07; P < 0.001). On the other hand, the overall multi-variable adjusted RR indicated that dietary beta-carotene intake was negatively associated with depression (RR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.55–0.72; P < 0.001). The combined SMD showed that the dietary beta-carotene intake in depression was also lower than that in control subjects (SMD = −0.34, 95%CI: −0.48 to −0.20; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that both dietary vitamin A and beta-carotene intake is inversely associated with depression. However, due to the limited evidence, further prospective cohort studies are still needed.

Phytoconstituents of Sansevieria suffruticosa N.E.Br. Leaves and Its Hepatoprotective Effect via Activation of the NRF2/ARE Signaling Pathway in an Experimentally Induced Liver Fibrosis Rat Model

Sansevieria species possess antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. However, the therapeutic potential of Sansevieria suffruticosa N.E.Br. in liver fibrosis was not evaluated yet. Twenty-seven phytoconstituents were tentatively identified in the phytoconstituents profile of Sansevieria suffruticosa N.E.Br. leaves extract (SSLE) using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI/MS-MS). Using column chromatography, hesperetin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, ginsenoside Rg2, and quinic acid were isolated from SSLE. The hepatoprotective effect of SSLE via the activation of the NRF2 signaling pathway was evaluated using a rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis. Five groups of 6 male adult Wistar rats were used. All animals except the normal control were injected with 200 mg/kg of TAA intraperitoneally twice weekly for 6 weeks. SSLE-treated groups were orally administered 200 and 100 mg/kg/day of the extract, two weeks before the liver fibrosis induction and were continued concomitantly with TAA injection. A reference group received 100 mg/kg b.wt of silymarin orally. SSLE treated groups exhibited a marked reduction in serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared with the TAA group. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) content and hepatic mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly increased. Histological findings further confirmed the protective role of SSLE against TAA. In conclusion, the aforementioned results indicated that the hepatoprotective mechanism of SSLE was exerted via activating the Nrf2 pathway to counteract oxidative stress.

Preventive effects of the AMPA receptor potentiator LY450108 in an LPS-induced depressive mouse model

Previous studies have demonstrated a close association between α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptors (AMPARs) and depressive disorders, and activation of AMPARs may represent a promising way to treat depression. However, the effects of AMPAR potentiators on depression and the underlying mechanism have not been comprehensively clarified. We used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish a depressive mouse model and an in vitro damage model of SH-SY5Y cells, and the AMPAR potentiator LY450108 was introduced to the study. We found that LY450108 alleviated LPS-induced depressive behavior and abnormal phosphorylation of hippocampal AMPARs in mice. LY450108 also alleviated LPS-induced apoptosis and decreased the viability of SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, LY450108 protected SH-SY5Y cells from LPS-induced abnormal phosphorylation of AMPARs. In conclusion, our findings suggest that LY450108 has antidepressant effects against LPS-induced neuronal damage and depression.

Crystal Structure, Solubility, and Pharmacokinetic Study on a Hesperetin Cocrystal with Piperine as Coformer

Hesperetin (HES) is a key biological active ingredient in citrus peels, and is one of the natural flavonoids that attract the attention of researchers due to its numerous therapeutic bioactivities that have been identified in vitro. As a bioenhancer, piperine (PIP) can effectively improve the absorption of insoluble drugs in vivo. In the present study, a cocrystal of HES and PIP was successfully obtained through solution crystallization. The single-crystal structure was illustrated and comprehensive characterization of the cocrystal was conducted. The cocrystal was formed by two drug molecules at a molar ratio of 1:1, which contained O–H–O hydrogen bonds between the carbonyl and ether oxygen of PIP and the phenolic hydroxyl group of HES. In addition, a solubility experiment was performed on powder cocrystal in simulated gastrointestinal fluid, and the result revealed that the cocrystal improves the dissolution behavior of HES compared with that of the pure substance. Furthermore, HES’s bioavailability in the cocrystal was six times higher than that of pristine drugs. These results may provide an efficient oral formulation for HES.

Role of glyoxalase 1 in methylglyoxal detoxification-the broad player of psychiatric disorders

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive α-ketoaldehyde formed endogenously as a byproduct of the glycolytic pathway. To remove MG, various detoxification systems work together in vivo, including the glyoxalase system, which enzymatically degrades MG using glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) and GLO2. Recently, numerous reports have shown that GLO1 expression and MG accumulation in the brain are involved in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorder, depression, autism, and schizophrenia. Furthermore, it has been reported that GLO1 inhibitors may be promising drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In this review, we discuss the recent findings of the effects of altered GLO1 function on mental behavior, especially focusing on results obtained from animal models.