1
|
Panossian A, Lemerond T, Efferth T. State-of-the-Art Review on Botanical Hybrid Preparations in Phytomedicine and Phytotherapy Research: Background and Perspectives. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:483. [PMID: 38675443 PMCID: PMC11053582 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite some evidence supporting the synergy concept, the commonly known assumption that combinations of several herbs in one formulation can have better efficacy due to additive or synergistic effects has yet to be unambiguously and explicitly studied. STUDY AIM The study aimed to reveal the molecular interactions in situ of host cells in response to botanical hybrid preparations (BHP) intervention and justify the benefits of implementing BHP in clinical practice. RESULTS This prospective literature review provides the results of recent clinical and network pharmacology studies of BHP of Rhodiola rosea L. (Arctic root) with other plants, including Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (ashwagandha), (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (green tea), Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. and Maxim.) Maxim. (eleuthero), Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (schisandra), Leuzea carthamoides (Willd.) DC., caffeine, Cordyceps militaris L., Ginkgo biloba L.(ginkgo), Actaea racemosa L. (black cohosh), Crocus sativus L. (saffron), and L-carnosine. CONCLUSIONS The most important finding from network pharmacology studies of BHP was the evidence supporting the synergistic interaction of BHP ingredients, revealing unexpected new pharmacological activities unique and specific to the new BHP. Some studies show the superior efficacy of BHP compared to mono-drugs. At the same time, some a priori-designed combinations can fail, presumably due to antagonistic interactions and crosstalk between molecular targets within the molecular networks involved in the cellular and overall response of organisms to the intervention. Network pharmacology studies help predict the results of studies aimed at discovering new indications and unpredicted adverse events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lanza G, Fisicaro F, Cantone M, Pennisi M, Cosentino FII, Lanuzza B, Tripodi M, Bella R, Paulus W, Ferri R. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in primary sleep disorders. Sleep Med Rev 2023; 67:101735. [PMID: 36563570 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a widely used non-invasive neuromodulatory technique. When applied in sleep medicine, the main hypothesis explaining its effects concerns the modulation of synaptic plasticity and the strength of connections between the brain areas involved in sleep disorders. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the publication of rTMS studies in primary sleep disorders. A multi-database-based search converges on the evidence that rTMS is safe and feasible in chronic insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), restless legs syndrome (RLS), and sleep deprivation-related cognitive deficits, whereas limited or no data are available for narcolepsy, sleep bruxism, and REM sleep behavior disorder. Regarding efficacy, the stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex bilaterally, right parietal cortex, and dominant primary motor cortex (M1) in insomnia, as well as the stimulation of M1 leg area bilaterally, left primary somatosensory cortex, and left M1 in RLS reduced subjective symptoms and severity scale scores, with effects lasting for up to weeks; conversely, no relevant effect was observed in OSAS and narcolepsy. Nevertheless, several limitations especially regarding the stimulation protocols need to be considered. This review should be viewed as a step towards the further contribution of individually tailored neuromodulatory techniques for sleep disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Fisicaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mariagiovanna Cantone
- Neurology Unit, University Hospital Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", Catania, Italy; Department of Neurology, Sant'Elia Hospital, ASP Caltanissetta, Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Bartolo Lanuzza
- Department of Neurology IC and Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tripodi
- Department of Neurology IC and Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Walter Paulus
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Concerto C, Rodolico A, La Rosa VL, Aiello B, Martinez M, Stuto S, Infortuna C, Fusar-Poli L, Signorelli MS, Commodari E, Battaglia F, Aguglia E. Flourishing or Languishing? Predictors of Positive Mental Health in Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15814. [PMID: 36497895 PMCID: PMC9736882 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical students were burdened with high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The objective of the present study was to investigate predictors of positive mental health among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an online survey from September 2021 to March 2022. We applied the snowball recruitment technique involving medical students from the University of Catania, Italy. We administered, anonymously, a questionnaire about demographic characteristics, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A), and the short form of the Mental Health Continuum (MHC-SF). Participants showed moderate anxiety, depression, and stress levels, and more than half had positive mental health status overall. This finding was inversely related to age, depression severity, cyclothymic, and depressive temperaments. Our results showed that medical students with depressive and cyclothymic temperaments were more at risk of worsening mental health status during the pandemic. Our findings may allow for further developments about the impact of personological characteristics on students' mental health to enable more efficient support for the most vulnerable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Concerto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rodolico
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Aiello
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Miriam Martinez
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Stuto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmenrita Infortuna
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - Laura Fusar-Poli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Commodari
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Fortunato Battaglia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Esmaealzadeh N, Iranpanah A, Sarris J, Rahimi R. A literature review of the studies concerning selected plant-derived adaptogens and their general function in body with a focus on animal studies. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 105:154354. [PMID: 35932607 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adaptogens are generally referred to the substances, mostly found in plants, which non-specifically increase resilience and chances of survival by activation of signaling pathways in affected cells. PURPOSE This literature review was conducted to summarize the investigation, until March 2021, on selected adaptogenic plants and plant-derived substances. STUDY DESIGN Electronic databases were searched (up to March 2021) for in vitro and animal studies, as well as clinical trials. Moreover, all modes of action connected with the adaptogenic effects of plants and phytochemicals were collected. METHODS The search of relevant studies was performed within electronic databases including Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Cochrane library. The most important keywords were adaptogen, plant, phytochemical, and plant-derived. RESULTS The most investigated medicinal herbs for their adaptogenic activity are Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, Schisandra chinensis, and Rhodiola spp., salidroside, ginsenosides, andrographolide, methyl jasmonate, cucurbitacin R, dichotosin, and dichotosininare are phytochemicals that have shown a considerable adaptogenic activity. Phytochemicals that have been demonstrated adaptogenic properties mainly belong to flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenylpropanoid glycosides. CONCLUSION It is concluded that the main modes of action of the selected adaptogenic plants are stress modulatory, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and physical endurance enhancement. Other properties were nootropic, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular, and radioprotective activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niusha Esmaealzadeh
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P.O. Box 1417653761, Iran; PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Iranpanah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Kermanshah USERN Office, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & The Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Roja Rahimi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P.O. Box 1417653761, Iran; PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiang C, Zheng S, Chen T, Li W, Zhang C, Gu S, Ren H, Huanhuan, Song J, Zhang Z. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Improves Depression-like Behavior in Rats by Promoting Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation. Neuroscience 2022:S0306-4522(22)00467-5. [PMID: 36116556 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a novel non-invasive neuromodulation technique with neuroprotective properties and is used to treat depression. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we examined the possible mechanism mediating the antidepressant effect of rTMS using animal experiments. Specific pathogen-free rats were treated with rTMS after exposure to social isolation combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After four weeks of CUMS, the rats exhibited a significant decrease in spatial working memory assessed using open-field testing, a general loss of interest assessed with the sucrose preference test, and a significant reduction in spatial recognition memory ability assessed using the Y-maze. These behavioral deficits were accompanied by decreased numbers of astrocytes in the hippocampus, decreased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), increased numbers of neural stem cells (NSCs), and increased expression of nestin protein. These results indicated that neuron damage occurred in the depression-like rats. After rTMS intervention, the depression-like behavior was alleviated significantly, and the numbers of NSCs and astrocytes, as well as the expression of GFAP and nestin proteins, returned to normal levels. Overall, it is likely that attenuation of NSC proliferation and differentiation into astrocytes produced a neuroprotective effect on hippocampal neurons, which might partly explain the mechanism by which rTMS alleviates depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Jiang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Shuang Zheng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Tengfei Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China; Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Chencheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shina Gu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, China
| | - Huicong Ren
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Huanhuan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China
| | - Jinggui Song
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China.
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, China; Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Le TT, McGrath SR, Fasinu PS. Herb-drug Interactions in Neuropsychiatric Pharmacotherapy - A Review of Clinically Relevant Findings. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1736-1751. [PMID: 34370637 PMCID: PMC9881059 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210809100357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of neuropsychiatric disorders relies heavily on pharmacotherapy. The use of herbal products as complimentary medicine, often concomitantly, is common among patients taking prescription neuropsychiatric drugs. Herb-drug interaction, a clinical consequence of this practice, may jeopardize the success of pharmacotherapy in neuropsychiatry. Besides the wellknown ability of phytochemicals to inhibit and/or induce drug-metabolizing enzymes and transport proteins, several phytoconstituents are capable of exerting pharmacological effects on the central nervous system. This study reviewed the relevant literature and identified 13 commonly used herbal products - celery, echinacea, ginkgo, ginseng, hydroxycut, kava, kratom, moringa, piperine, rhodiola, St. John's wort, terminalia/commiphora ayurvedic mixture and valerian - which have shown clinically relevant interactions with prescription drugs used in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders. The consequent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with orthodox medications often result in deleterious clinical consequences. This underscores the importance of caution in herb-drug co-medication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tram T. Le
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, 27501, USA;
| | - Sarah R. McGrath
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, 27501, USA;
| | - Pius S. Fasinu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA,Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA; Tel/Fax: +1 205 934 4565; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
A Systematic Review on the Effect of Nutraceuticals on Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunctions: From Basic Principles to Clinical Applications. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:3335-3350. [PMID: 35892716 PMCID: PMC9332380 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44080230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dysfunctions are common side effects reported by patients during antidepressant treatment. When they occur, patients often discontinue psychopharmacological therapy, with a negative impact on the underlying psychiatric disease. Recently, great attention has been paid to the use of nutraceuticals in the management of psychiatric disorders, although a systematic review on their effects as a treatment option for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunctions (AISD) is lacking. Here, we conducted a systematic search in the following databases: MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. We searched eligible studies among parallel or crossover randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adult populations. After this process, a total of 10 articles that evaluated the effect of six different nutraceuticals versus placebo were included: Maca Root, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), Rosa Damascena, Ginkgo Biloba, Saffron, and Yohimbine. Overall, a high dose of Maca Root and the use of SAMe or Saffron may improve AISD. Additionally, the administration of Rosa Damascena seemed to be more effective in men than in women, whereas no evidence of effects emerged for Gingko Biloba and Yohimbine. Given the mixed results still available, future RCTs should consider larger samples and confounding factors, such as depressive status and individual vulnerability.
Collapse
|
8
|
Infortuna C, Gualano F, Freedberg D, Patel SP, Sheikh AM, Muscatello MRA, Bruno A, Mento C, Chusid E, Han Z, Thomas FP, Battaglia F. Motor Cortex Response to Pleasant Odor Perception and Imagery: The Differential Role of Personality Dimensions and Imagery Ability. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:943469. [PMID: 35903786 PMCID: PMC9314567 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.943469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroimaging studies have shown a complex pattern of brain activation during perception of a pleasant odor and during its olfactory imagery. To date, little is known regarding changes in motor cortex excitability during these tasks. Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is extensively used in perfumes and cosmetics for its pleasantness. Therefore, to further our understanding of the human sense of smell, this study aimed to investigate the effect of perception and imagery of a pleasant odor (BEO) on motor cortex using Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Materials and Methods We examined the primary motor cortex (M1) excitability during perception of a pleasant odor (BEO) or perception of odorless saline (experiment 1). Furthermore, we tested the effect of olfactory imagery (OI) of BEO on corticospinal excitability (experiment 2). The increase in motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude was correlated with personality dimensions scores, pleasantness, vividness, and general imagery ability. Results The results indicate that the corticospinal excitability changed after both perception and imagery of a pleasant odor (BEO). The correlation analysis shows an association with neuroticism personality trait (experiment 1) and with general olfactory imagery ability (experiment 2). Conclusion Both perception of a pleasant odor and its olfactory imagery modulate motor cortex excitability. The enhanced brain activation is affected by specific individual characteristics. Overall, our findings provide physiological evidence for a complex interaction between the olfactory and motor systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmenrita Infortuna
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Policlinico Universitario “G. Martino”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Gualano
- Department of Medical Sciences, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, United States
- Department of Neurology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - David Freedberg
- Department of Art History and Archeology, Italian Academy for Advanced Studies, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sapan P. Patel
- Department of Art History and Archeology, Italian Academy for Advanced Studies, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Asad M. Sheikh
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Policlinico Universitario “G. Martino”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Bruno
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Policlinico Universitario “G. Martino”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Mento
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Policlinico Universitario “G. Martino”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Eileen Chusid
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zhiyong Han
- Department of Medical Sciences, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - Florian P. Thomas
- Department of Neurology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - Fortunato Battaglia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, United States
- Department of Neurology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Fortunato Battaglia,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lanza G, Cosentino FII, Lanuzza B, Tripodi M, Aricò D, Figorilli M, Puligheddu M, Fisicaro F, Bella R, Ferri R, Pennisi M. Reduced Intracortical Facilitation to TMS in Both Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) and Early Parkinson's Disease with RBD. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092291. [PMID: 35566417 PMCID: PMC9104430 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND a reduced intracortical facilitation (ICF), a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measure largely mediated by glutamatergic neurotransmission, was observed in subjects affected by isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). However, direct comparison between iRBD and Parkinson's disease (PD) with RBD is currently lacking. METHODS resting motor threshold, contralateral cortical silent period, amplitude and latency of motor evoked potentials, short-interval intracortical inhibition, and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were recorded from 15 drug-naïve iRBD patients, 15 drug-naïve PD with RBD patients, and 15 healthy participants from the right First Dorsal Interosseous muscle. REM sleep atonia index (RAI), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were assessed. RESULTS Groups were similar for sex, age, education, and patients for RBD duration and RAI. Neurological examination, MMSE, ESS, and GDS were normal in iRBD patients and controls; ESS scored worse in PD patients, but with no difference between groups at post hoc analysis. Compared to controls, both patient groups exhibited a significantly decreased ICF, without difference between them. CONCLUSIONS iRBD and PD with RBD shared a reduced ICF, thus suggesting the involvement of glutamatergic transmission both in subjects at risk for degeneration and in those with an overt α-synucleinopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-3782448
| | - Filomena Irene Ilaria Cosentino
- Department of Neurology IC and Sleep Research Center, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.I.I.C.); (B.L.); (M.T.); (D.A.)
| | - Bartolo Lanuzza
- Department of Neurology IC and Sleep Research Center, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.I.I.C.); (B.L.); (M.T.); (D.A.)
| | - Mariangela Tripodi
- Department of Neurology IC and Sleep Research Center, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.I.I.C.); (B.L.); (M.T.); (D.A.)
| | - Debora Aricò
- Department of Neurology IC and Sleep Research Center, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.I.I.C.); (B.L.); (M.T.); (D.A.)
| | - Michela Figorilli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari and AOU Cagliari, Asse Didattico E., SS 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.)
- Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E., SS 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Puligheddu
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari and AOU Cagliari, Asse Didattico E., SS 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.); (M.P.)
- Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E., SS 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Fisicaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.F.); (M.P.)
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy;
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.F.); (M.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Natale A, Concerto C, Rodolico A, Birgillito A, Bonelli M, Martinez M, Signorelli MS, Petralia A, Infortuna C, Battaglia F, Aguglia E. Risk Perception among Psychiatric Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052620. [PMID: 35270313 PMCID: PMC8909657 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The fear of the new coronavirus infection has driven many non-COVID-19 patients away from essential healthcare. Our study aimed to investigate the perception of risk and feelings of danger for the contagion in a sample of Italian psychiatric patients. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown in Italy. The risk perception and risk-related variables were assessed in a sample of 150 consecutive patients with a previous diagnosis of major depression (50), bipolar I disorder (50), and schizophrenia seeking ambulatory care using a questionnaire previously administered to the general Italian population. Our results showed that patients were more concerned about economic, psychological, and interpersonal consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, rather than about their own health. At the multiple regression analysis, the likelihood of COVID-19 resolution was positively influenced by the diagnosis of schizophrenia, the increased perceived effectiveness, and the presence of positive emotions. Indeed, positive emotions and uncertainty positively influenced interpersonal risk. Our study highlights the need to provide more support to psychiatric patients during emergency events to prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antimo Natale
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.N.); (C.C.); (A.R.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.); (E.A.)
| | - Carmen Concerto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.N.); (C.C.); (A.R.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.); (E.A.)
| | - Alessandro Rodolico
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.N.); (C.C.); (A.R.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.); (E.A.)
| | - Andrea Birgillito
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.N.); (C.C.); (A.R.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.); (E.A.)
| | - Marina Bonelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.N.); (C.C.); (A.R.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.); (E.A.)
| | - Miriam Martinez
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.N.); (C.C.); (A.R.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.); (E.A.)
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.N.); (C.C.); (A.R.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.); (E.A.)
| | - Antonino Petralia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.N.); (C.C.); (A.R.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.); (E.A.)
| | - Carmenrita Infortuna
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy;
| | - Fortunato Battaglia
- Department of Medical Sciences and Neurology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.N.); (C.C.); (A.R.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.); (E.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Concerto C, Rodolico A, Ciancio A, Messina C, Natale A, Mineo L, Battaglia F, Aguglia E. Vitamin D and Depressive Symptoms in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:199. [PMID: 35010459 PMCID: PMC8750302 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) risk and disease activity. There is some controversy as to whether vitamin D could have an impact on depressive symptoms in people with MS (pwMS). The aim of this scoping review was to evaluate the association between vitamin D status and depressive symptoms in pwMS. METHODS We searched databases to include studies published up to March 2021 to provide an overview of the available evidence on the correlation between vitamin D status and depressive symptoms in pwMS. The eligibility criteria were as follows: studies evaluating the use of vitamin D measurement on depressive symptoms in patients suffering from MS, including randomized and non-randomized studies; studies written in English; and studies exploring an adult population over the age of 18. RESULTS Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria: two of them were abstracts only; the majority were cross-sectional studies; two were prospective longitudinal studies; one was a retrospective cohort study; and one was a randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT). Of the eleven studies selected, seven showed a potential correlation between low vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Future RCT studies should include patients with greater severity of depressive symptoms and should consider confounding factors such as sun exposure and seasonal variation of vitamin D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Concerto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (L.M.); (E.A.)
| | - Alessandro Rodolico
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (L.M.); (E.A.)
| | - Alessia Ciancio
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (L.M.); (E.A.)
| | - Christian Messina
- MS Center, Department “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Antimo Natale
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (L.M.); (E.A.)
| | - Ludovico Mineo
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (L.M.); (E.A.)
| | - Fortunato Battaglia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurology and Psychiatry, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (A.C.); (A.N.); (L.M.); (E.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zettin M, Bondesan C, Nada G, Varini M, Dimitri D. Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation and Behavioral Training, a Promising Tool for a Tailor-Made Post-stroke Aphasia Rehabilitation: A Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:742136. [PMID: 34987366 PMCID: PMC8722401 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.742136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aphasia is an acquired language disorder resulting from damage to portions of the brain which are responsible for language comprehension and formulation. This disorder can involve different levels of language processing with impairments in both oral and written comprehension and production. Over the last years, different rehabilitation and therapeutic interventions have been developed, especially non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques. One of the most used NIBS techniques in aphasia rehabilitation is the Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS). It has been proven to be effective in promoting a successful recovery both in the short and the long term after a brain injury. The main strength of tDCS is its feasibility associated with relatively minor side effects, if safely and properly administered. TDCS requires two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, which are generally placed on the scalp. The electrode montage can be either unipolar or bipolar. The main aim of this review is to give an overview of the state of the art of tDCS for the treatment of aphasia. The studies described included patients with different types of language impairments, especially with non-fluent aphasia and in several cases anomia. The effects of tDCS are variable and depend on several factors, such as electrode size and montage, duration of the stimulation, current density and characteristics of the brain tissue underneath the electrodes. Generally, tDCS has led to promising results in rehabilitating patients with acquired aphasia, especially if combined with different language and communication therapies. The selection of the appropriate approach depends on the patients treated and their impaired language function. When used in combination with treatments such as Speech and Language Therapy, Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy or Intensive Action Treatment, tDCS has generally promoted a better recovery of the impaired functions. In addition to these rehabilitation protocols, Action Observation Therapy, such as IMITAF, appeared to contribute to the reduction of post-stroke anomia. The potential of combining such techniques with tDCS would would therefore be a possibility for further improvement, also providing the clinician with a new action and intervention tool. The association of a tDCS protocol with a dedicated rehabilitation training would favor a generalized long-term improvement of the different components of language.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Zettin
- Centro Puzzle, Turin, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Nada
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Varini
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Danilo Dimitri
- Centro Puzzle, Turin, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Preserved central cholinergic functioning to transcranial magnetic stimulation in de novo patients with celiac disease. PLoS One 2021. [PMID: 34914787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261373.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Celiac disease (CD) is now viewed as a systemic disease with multifaceted clinical manifestations. Among the extra-intestinal features, neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms are still a diagnostic challenge, since they can precede or follow the diagnosis of CD. In particular, it is well known that some adults with CD may complain of cognitive symptoms, that improve when the gluten-free diet (GFD) is started, although they may re-appear after incidental gluten intake. Among the neurophysiological techniques, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can non-invasively probe in vivo the excitation state of cortical areas and cortico-spinal conductivity, being also able to unveil preclinical impairment in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as in some systemic diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS), such as CD. We previously demonstrated an intracortical disinhibition and hyperfacilitation of MEP responses to TMS in newly diagnosed patients. However, no data are available on the central cholinergic functioning indexed by specific TMS measures, such as the short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI), which might represent the neurophysiological correlate of cognitive changes in CD patients, also at the preclinical level. METHODS Cognitive and depressive symptoms were screened by means of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), respectively, in 15 consecutive de novo CD patients and 15 healthy controls. All patients were on normal diet at the time of the enrolment. Brain computed tomography (CT) was performed in all patients. SAI, recorded at two interstimulus intervals (2 and 8 ms), was assessed as the percentage amplitude ratio between the conditioned and the unconditioned MEP response. Resting motor threshold, MEP amplitude and latency, and central motor conduction time were also measured. RESULTS The two groups were comparable for age, sex, anthropometric features, and educational level. Brain CT ruled out intracranial calcifications and clear radiological abnormalities in all patients. Scores at MoCA and HDRS were significantly worse in patients than in controls. The comparison of TMS data between the two groups revealed no statistically significant difference for all measures, including SAI at both interstimulus intervals. CONCLUSIONS Central cholinergic functioning explored by the SAI of the motor cortex resulted to be not affected in these de novo CD patients compared to age-matched healthy controls. Although the statistically significant difference in MoCA, an overt cognitive impairment was not clinically evident in CD patients. Coherently, to date, no study based on TMS or other diagnostic techniques has shown any involvement of the central acetylcholine or the cholinergic fibers within the CNS in CD. This finding might add support to the vascular inflammation hypothesis underlying the so-called "gluten encephalopathy", which seems to be due to an aetiology different from that of the cholinergic dysfunction. Longitudinal studies correlating clinical, TMS, and neuroimaging data, both before and after GFD, are needed.
Collapse
|
14
|
Infortuna C, Mineo L, Buffer S, Thomas FP, Muscatello MRA, Aguglia E, Bruno A, Zoccali RA, Sheikh A, Chusid E, Han Z, Battaglia F. Acute social and somatic stress alters cortical metaplasticity probed with non-invasive brain stimulation in humans. Int J Psychophysiol 2021; 170:1-5. [PMID: 34547303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Studying the neuronal mechanisms that govern the cortical adaptations to acute stress is critical for understanding the development of neuropsychiatric diseases. Homeostatic plasticity stabilizes the neural activity in which a previous synaptic event drives subsequent synaptic plasticity. In this study, we evaluated the effect of acute stress induced with the socially evaluated cold pressor test (SECPT) on cortical metaplasticity in humans using a non-invasive brain stimulation protocol. After being exposed to the SECPT and control stress conditions, 30 healthy participants were tested for cortical metaplasticity assessed with changes in the amplitude of the motor evoked potential (MEP) induced by a single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Cortical metaplasticity was induced by combining priming with cathodal tDCS (cTDCS) followed by a sub-threshold 1-Hz repetitive stimulation (rTMS) test session. Our results showed that SECPT induced cardiovascular adaptations (increase in systolic, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate), indicating that SECPT effectively induced acute stress. Also, in our experiments stimulation of subjects with 1-Hz rTMS after they had undergone the SECPT condition induced inhibition of MEP whereas 1-Hz rTMS administered after the control condition induced a facilitatory (physiologic) response pattern. Here we observed that acute stress impairs homeostatic metaplasticity. The dysfunctional regulation of cortical plastic changes after stress could play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmenrita Infortuna
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Policlinico Universitario, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Ludovico Mineo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Steven Buffer
- Department of Medical Sciences and Department of Neurology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Florian P Thomas
- Department of Neurology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Policlinico Universitario, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Bruno
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Rocco Antonio Zoccali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Policlinico Universitario, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Asad Sheikh
- Department of Pre-clinical Sciences, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Eileen Chusid
- Department of Pre-clinical Sciences, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Zhyiong Han
- Department of Neurology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Fortunato Battaglia
- Department of Neurology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shinjyo N, Nakayama H, Li L, Ishimaru K, Hikosaka K, Suzuki N, Yoshida H, Norose K. Hypericum perforatum extract and hyperforin inhibit the growth of neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii and infection-induced inflammatory responses of glial cells in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 267:113525. [PMID: 33129946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Hypericum perforatum L. has been widely used as a natural antidepressant. However, it is unknown whether it is effective in treating infection-induced neuropsychiatric disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY In order to evaluate the effectiveness of H. perforatum against infection with neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which has been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, this study investigated the anti-Toxoplasma activity using in vitro models. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dried alcoholic extracts were prepared from three Hypericum species: H. perforatum, H. erectum, and H. ascyron. H. perforatum extract was further separated by solvent-partitioning. Hyperforin and hypericin levels in the extracts and fractions were analyzed by high resolution LC-MS. Anti-Toxoplasma activities were tested in vitro, using cell lines (Vero and Raw264), murine primary mixed glia, and primary neuron-glia. Toxoplasma proliferation and stage conversion were analyzed by qPCR. Infection-induced damages to the host cells were analyzed by Sulforhodamine B cytotoxicity assay (Vero) and immunofluorescent microscopy (neurons). Infection-induced inflammatory responses in glial cells were analysed by qPCR and immunofluorescent microscopy. RESULTS Hyperforin was identified only in H. perforatum among the three tested species, whereas hypericin was present in H. perforatum and H. erectum. H. perforatum extract and hyperforin-enriched fraction, as well as hyperforin, exhibited significant anti-Toxoplasma property as well as inhibitory activity against infection-induced inflammatory responses in glial cells. In addition, H. perforatum-derived hyperforin-enriched fraction restored neuro-supportive environment in mixed neuron-glia culture. CONCLUSIONS H. perforatum and its major constituent hyperforin are promising anti-Toxoplasma agents that could potentially protect neurons and glial cells against infection-induced damages. Further study is warranted to establish in vivo efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shinjyo
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan; School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Nakayama
- Saga Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Research, 1-20 Hacchounawate, Saga, 849-0925, Japan
| | - Li Li
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kanji Ishimaru
- Department of Biological Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, 1 Honjo, Saga, 840-8502, Japan
| | - Kenji Hikosaka
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Suzuki
- Department of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yoshida
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Immunoscience, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Kazumi Norose
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lissemore JI, Mulsant BH, Rajji TK, Karp JF, Reynolds CF, Lenze EJ, Downar J, Chen R, Daskalakis ZJ, Blumberger DM. Cortical inhibition, facilitation and plasticity in late-life depression: effects of venlafaxine pharmacotherapy. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E88-E96. [PMID: 33119493 PMCID: PMC7955845 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.200001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-life depression is often associated with non-response or relapse following conventional antidepressant treatment. The pathophysiology of late-life depression likely involves a complex interplay between aging and depression, and may include abnormalities in cortical inhibition and plasticity. However, the extent to which these cortical processes are modifiable by antidepressant pharmacotherapy is unknown. METHODS Sixty-eight patients with late-life depression received 12 weeks of treatment with open-label venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (≤ 300 mg/d). We combined transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left motor cortex with electromyography recordings from the right hand to measure cortical inhibition using contralateral cortical silent period and paired-pulse short-interval intracortical inhibition paradigms; cortical facilitation using a paired-pulse intracortical facilitation paradigm; and short-term cortical plasticity using a paired associative stimulation paradigm. All measures were collected at baseline, 1 week into treatment (n = 23) and after approximately 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS Venlafaxine did not significantly alter cortical inhibition, facilitation or plasticity after 1 or 12 weeks of treatment. Improvements in depressive symptoms during treatment were not associated with changes in cortical physiology. LIMITATIONS The results presented here are specific to the motor cortex. Future work should investigate whether these findings extend to cortical areas more closely associated with depression, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that antidepressant treatment with venlafaxine does not exert meaningful changes in motor cortical inhibition or plasticity in late-life depression. The absence of changes in motor cortical physiology, alongside improvements in depressive symptoms, suggests that age-related changes may play a role in previously identified abnormalities in motor cortical processes in latelife depression, and that venlafaxine treatment does not target these abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer I Lissemore
- From the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Mulsant, Rajji, Downar, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Mulsant, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (Karp, Reynolds); the Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (Lenze); the MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Downar); and the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute Toronto, Ont., Canada (Chen)
| | - Benoit H Mulsant
- From the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Mulsant, Rajji, Downar, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Mulsant, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (Karp, Reynolds); the Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (Lenze); the MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Downar); and the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute Toronto, Ont., Canada (Chen)
| | - Tarek K Rajji
- From the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Mulsant, Rajji, Downar, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Mulsant, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (Karp, Reynolds); the Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (Lenze); the MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Downar); and the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute Toronto, Ont., Canada (Chen)
| | - Jordan F Karp
- From the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Mulsant, Rajji, Downar, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Mulsant, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (Karp, Reynolds); the Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (Lenze); the MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Downar); and the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute Toronto, Ont., Canada (Chen)
| | - Charles F Reynolds
- From the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Mulsant, Rajji, Downar, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Mulsant, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (Karp, Reynolds); the Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (Lenze); the MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Downar); and the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute Toronto, Ont., Canada (Chen)
| | - Eric J Lenze
- From the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Mulsant, Rajji, Downar, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Mulsant, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (Karp, Reynolds); the Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (Lenze); the MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Downar); and the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute Toronto, Ont., Canada (Chen)
| | - Jonathan Downar
- From the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Mulsant, Rajji, Downar, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Mulsant, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (Karp, Reynolds); the Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (Lenze); the MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Downar); and the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute Toronto, Ont., Canada (Chen)
| | - Robert Chen
- From the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Mulsant, Rajji, Downar, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Mulsant, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (Karp, Reynolds); the Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (Lenze); the MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Downar); and the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute Toronto, Ont., Canada (Chen)
| | - Zafiris J Daskalakis
- From the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Mulsant, Rajji, Downar, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Mulsant, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (Karp, Reynolds); the Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (Lenze); the MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Downar); and the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute Toronto, Ont., Canada (Chen)
| | - Daniel M Blumberger
- From the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Lissemore, Mulsant, Rajji, Downar, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Mulsant, Rajji, Daskalakis, Blumberger); the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA (Karp, Reynolds); the Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA (Lenze); the MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont., Canada (Downar); and the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and Krembil Research Institute Toronto, Ont., Canada (Chen)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lanza G, Fisicaro F, D’Agate CC, Ferri R, Cantone M, Falzone L, Pennisi G, Bella R, Hadjivassiliou M, Pennisi M. Preserved central cholinergic functioning to transcranial magnetic stimulation in de novo patients with celiac disease. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261373. [PMID: 34914787 PMCID: PMC8675755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Celiac disease (CD) is now viewed as a systemic disease with multifaceted clinical manifestations. Among the extra-intestinal features, neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms are still a diagnostic challenge, since they can precede or follow the diagnosis of CD. In particular, it is well known that some adults with CD may complain of cognitive symptoms, that improve when the gluten-free diet (GFD) is started, although they may re-appear after incidental gluten intake. Among the neurophysiological techniques, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can non-invasively probe in vivo the excitation state of cortical areas and cortico-spinal conductivity, being also able to unveil preclinical impairment in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as in some systemic diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS), such as CD. We previously demonstrated an intracortical disinhibition and hyperfacilitation of MEP responses to TMS in newly diagnosed patients. However, no data are available on the central cholinergic functioning indexed by specific TMS measures, such as the short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI), which might represent the neurophysiological correlate of cognitive changes in CD patients, also at the preclinical level. METHODS Cognitive and depressive symptoms were screened by means of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), respectively, in 15 consecutive de novo CD patients and 15 healthy controls. All patients were on normal diet at the time of the enrolment. Brain computed tomography (CT) was performed in all patients. SAI, recorded at two interstimulus intervals (2 and 8 ms), was assessed as the percentage amplitude ratio between the conditioned and the unconditioned MEP response. Resting motor threshold, MEP amplitude and latency, and central motor conduction time were also measured. RESULTS The two groups were comparable for age, sex, anthropometric features, and educational level. Brain CT ruled out intracranial calcifications and clear radiological abnormalities in all patients. Scores at MoCA and HDRS were significantly worse in patients than in controls. The comparison of TMS data between the two groups revealed no statistically significant difference for all measures, including SAI at both interstimulus intervals. CONCLUSIONS Central cholinergic functioning explored by the SAI of the motor cortex resulted to be not affected in these de novo CD patients compared to age-matched healthy controls. Although the statistically significant difference in MoCA, an overt cognitive impairment was not clinically evident in CD patients. Coherently, to date, no study based on TMS or other diagnostic techniques has shown any involvement of the central acetylcholine or the cholinergic fibers within the CNS in CD. This finding might add support to the vascular inflammation hypothesis underlying the so-called "gluten encephalopathy", which seems to be due to an aetiology different from that of the cholinergic dysfunction. Longitudinal studies correlating clinical, TMS, and neuroimaging data, both before and after GFD, are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Francesco Fisicaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Cinzia D’Agate
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, University Hospital Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Mariagiovanna Cantone
- Department of Neurology, Sant’Elia Hospital, ASP Caltanissetta, Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Instituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pennisi
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marios Hadjivassiliou
- Academic Department of Neurosciences, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Koop T, Dienel A, Heldmann M, Münte TF. Effects of a
Rhodiola rosea
extract on mental resource allocation and attention: An event‐related potential dual task study. Phytother Res 2020; 34:3287-3297. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Koop
- Department of Neurology University of Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | | | - Marcus Heldmann
- Department of Neurology University of Lübeck Lübeck Germany
- Institute for Psychology II, University of Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Thomas F. Münte
- Department of Neurology University of Lübeck Lübeck Germany
- Institute for Psychology II, University of Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
The Use of Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs, and Essential Oils in Rehabilitation. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2020; 31:685-697. [PMID: 32981586 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The term, dietary supplement, refers to a broad category of products, including herbal or plant-based extracts, micronutrients, and food-based nutraceuticals. The use of supplements in clinical rehabilitation requires clear communication from patients and health care providers to understand the types of products used and their effects on health. Providers should distinguish between using micronutrient supplementation for therapeutic purposes and treatment of nutritional deficiency in patients with malnutrition syndromes. Evidence supports micronutrient and nutraceutical supplementation use to improve pain, functional status, and inflammation. There is little evidence on the use of herbal or plant-based extracts in therapeutic rehabilitation; larger studies are warranted.
Collapse
|
20
|
Lin X, Liu Y, Ma L, Ma X, Chen Z, Chen H, Si L, Ma X, Yu Z, Chen X. Amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by Rhodiola rosea, a natural adaptogen. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 125:109960. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
|
21
|
Limanaqi F, Biagioni F, Busceti CL, Polzella M, Fabrizi C, Fornai F. Potential Antidepressant Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, Hericium erinaceus and Rhodiola rosea. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9030234. [PMID: 32178272 PMCID: PMC7139475 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9030234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies focused on the pharmacology and feasibility of herbal compounds as a potential strategy to target a variety of human diseases ranging from metabolic to brain disorders. Accordingly, bioactive ingredients which are found within a variety of herbal compounds are reported to produce both neuroprotective and psychotropic activities which may help to combat mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and cognitive alterations. In the present manuscript, we focus on three herbs which appear effective in mitigating anxiety or depression with favourable risk-benefit profiles, namely Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis), Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus) and Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea). These three traditional folk medicinal herbs target the main biochemical events that are implicated in mental disorders, mimicking, to some extent, the mechanisms of action of conventional antidepressants and mood stabilizers with a wide margin of tolerability. In detail, they rescue alterations in neurotransmitter and neuro-endocrine systems, stimulate neurogenesis and the synthesis of neurotrophic factors, and they counteract oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. Albeit the encouraging results that emerge from both experimental and clinical evidence, further studies are needed to confirm and better understand the mental-health promoting, and specifically, the antidepressant effects of these herbs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Biagioni
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed Pozzilli, Via Atinense, 18, 86077, Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.)
| | - Carla Letizia Busceti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed Pozzilli, Via Atinense, 18, 86077, Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.)
| | - Maico Polzella
- Aliveda Laboratories, Viale Karol Wojtyla, 19, 56042 Lorenzana, (PI), Italy;
| | - Cinzia Fabrizi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy;
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed Pozzilli, Via Atinense, 18, 86077, Pozzilli, Italy; (F.B.); (C.L.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhong ZF, Han J, Zhang JZ, Xiao Q, Chen JY, Zhang K, Hu J, Chen LD. Neuroprotective Effects of Salidroside on Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Behavioral Impairment Involves the Dopaminergic System. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1433. [PMID: 31920641 PMCID: PMC6923222 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Salidroside, a phenylpropanoid glycoside, is the main bioactive component of Rhodiola rosea L. Salidroside has prominent anti-stroke effects in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion models. However, the underlying mechanisms of its actions are poorly understood. This study examined the anti-stroke effects of salidroside in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced rat model of stroke and its potential mechanisms involving the dopaminergic system. Salidroside administration increased the levels of dopamine (DA), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the ipsilateral striatum after induction of transient ischemia, which were assessed using microdialysis with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). Furthermore, treatment with salidroside ameliorated neurobehavioral impairment, assessed with the modified neurological severity scores (mNSS), the balance beam test, and the foot fault test. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) suggested that MCAO-induced reduction in monoamine oxidase (MAO) was inhibited by salidroside. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses revealed high level of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the ipsilateral striatal caudate putamen (CPu) after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, which could be further elevated by salidroside. In addition, salidroside could reverse the decreased immunoreactivity of TH in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). These results suggest that the anti-stroke effects of salidroside in MCAO-induced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion may involve the modulation of monoamine metabolism in the striatum and SNpc, which may be related to the function of the dopaminergic system in the rat brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Feng Zhong
- Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Department of High Altitude Operational Medicine, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing Han
- Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ji-Zhou Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qing Xiao
- Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing-Yan Chen
- Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Juan Hu
- Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li-Dian Chen
- Institute of Materia Medica, Fujian Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|