Antidepressant-like effect of scopoletin, a coumarin isolated from Polygala sabulosa (Polygalaceae) in mice: Evidence for the involvement of monoaminergic systems

Resveratrol Ameliorates Chronic Stress in Kennel Dogs and Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Related to Tryptophan Metabolism

Chronic stress poses threats to the physical and psychological well-being of dogs. Resveratrol (Res) is a polyphenol with antidepressant properties and has rarely been studied in dogs. This study aimed to investigate the stress-relieving effects and underlying mechanism of Res in dogs. Dogs were fed a basal diet supplemented with Res for 35 days. The fecal microbiota of the dogs was cultured with Res in vitro. The results show that Res improved the stress-related behaviors and increased the serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), immunoglobulin A, and antioxidant capacity in dogs. Res downregulated the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The abundance of butyric-producing bacteria, like Blautia, increased, while the growth of Fusobacterium related to gut inflammation was inhibited in the Res group. A higher content of fecal butyric acid was observed in the Res group. The metabolome indicated that Res increased the fecal and serum levels of tryptophan (Trp) and decreased the consumption of Trp by microorganisms. A chronic unpredictable mild stress mouse model was established, and Res was administered for 35 days. The results show that Res ameliorated the stress-related behavior and increased the levels of Trp and 5-HT in the whole brains of mice. The relative mRNA expression of genes associated with the tight junction protein, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and Trp transporters in the colon were upregulated. In conclusion, Res could ameliorate canine stress by increasing 5-HT, BDNF, and the antioxidant capacity and improving the immune function and stress response, which was attributed to the role of Res in the restructuring of gut microbiota and the modulation of tryptophan metabolism.

Paeonol prevents sepsis-associated encephalopathy via regulating the HIF1A pathway in microglia

Paeonol, a phenolic acid compound extracted from the Cortex Moutan, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of paeonol on neuroinflammation and depressive-like symptoms, and the underlying mechanisms in a mouse model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). To assess the therapeutic potential of paeonol in mice treated with LPS, behavioral assessments were conducted using the open-field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swimming test (FST), and quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescent staining were utilized to determine the expression levels of inflammatory molecules in the hippocampus in vivo and microglial cells in vitro. Our results revealed that paeonol significantly alleviated anxiety and depressive-like symptoms, as evidenced by improved activity in OFT, reduced immobility time in TST and FST, and decreased levels of inflammatory markers such as IL6, TNFα, and PFKFB3. Further in vitro experiments confirmed that paeonol downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules. A network pharmacology-based strategy combined with molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay highlighted HIF1A as a potential target for paeonol. Similar anti-inflammatory effects of a HIF1A inhibitor were also observed in microglia treated with LPS. Furthermore, these effects were reversed by CoCl2, a HIF1A agonist, indicating the critical role of the HIF1A signaling pathway in mediating the therapeutic effects of paeonol. These findings highlight the potential of paeonol in modulating the HIF1A pathway, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammation in SAE.

Anti-Aging Effect of Traditional Plant-Based Food: An Overview

Aging is a complex process that involves many physiological mechanisms that gradually impair normal cellular and tissue function and make us more susceptible to diseases and death. It is influenced by intrinsic factors like cellular function and extrinsic factors like pollution and UV radiation. Recent scientific studies show that traditional plant-based foods and supplements can help mitigate the effects of aging. Nutraceuticals, which are dietary supplements with medicinal properties, have gained attention for their ability to prevent chronic and age-related diseases. Antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, terpenes, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, minerals, etc. found in plants are key to managing oxidative stress, which is a major cause of aging. Well-known plant-based supplements from Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Emblica officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Panax ginseng have been found to possess medicinal properties. These supplements have been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress, improve overall health, and potentially extend life and enhance the excellence of life. The obtained benefits from these plant species are due to the presence of their bioactive secondary metabolites, such as bacosides in Bacopa monnieri, curcumin in Curcuma longa, ginsenosides in Panax ginseng, and many more. These compounds not only protect against free radical damage but also modulate key biological pathways of aging. Also, traditional fermented foods (tempeh and kimchi), which are rich in probiotics and bioactive compounds, support gut health, boost immune function, and have anti-aging properties. The molecular mechanisms behind these benefits are the activation of nutrient-sensing pathways like AMPK, SIRT/NAD+, and mTOR, which are important for cellular homeostasis and longevity. This review shows the potential of traditional plant-based foods and dietary supplements for healthy aging, and more studies are needed to prove their efficacy and safety in humans. Incorporating these natural products into our diet may be a practical and effective way to counteract the effects of aging and overall well-being. The foremost goal of this review is to emphasize the importance of supporting the body's antioxidant system by consuming the right balance of natural ingredients in the diet.

Scopoletin mitigates maternal separation-induced anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in male mice through modulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB pathway

RATIONALE

Early-life maternal separation can lead to anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in mice reared under maternal separation conditions. Scopoletin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties, may offer therapeutic benefits, but its effectiveness against behaviors induced by maternal separation during adulthood remains unexplored.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates scopoletin's efficacy in alleviating anxiety-like and depression-like phenotypes in male mice subjected to early-life maternal separation.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice experienced daily maternal separation for 4 h from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 21. From postnatal day 61(PND 61), scopoletin was administered intraperitoneally at 20 mg/kg/day for four weeks. Behavioral and biochemical assessments were conducted at postnatal day 95 (PND 95).

RESULTS

Maternally separated mice displayed marked anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors, evident in behavioral tests like the open field and elevated plus maze. These mice also showed increased immobility in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Biochemically, there were elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the hippocampus, with a decrease in Sirt1 and upregulation in NF-κB p65 expression. Scopoletin treatment significantly mitigated these behavioral abnormalities, normalizing both anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors. Correspondingly, it reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reinstated the expression of Sirt1 and NF-κB p65.

CONCLUSIONS

Scopoletin effectively reverses the adverse behavioral and biochemical effects induced by early-life maternal separation in male mice, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for treating anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors. Modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways and the Sirt1/NF-κB signaling axis is one possible mechanism.

Dual Approach to Depression: The Combined Efficacy of Intermittent Hypoxia and Fluoxetine in Modulating Behavioral and Inflammatory Responses

Background/Objectives: Mental disorders pose a significant public health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Given the limitations of current therapies, many patients experience inadequate responses and adverse effects. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) has demonstrated anxiolytic, antidepressant, and neuroprotective properties in various protocols. This study investigated the effects of acute IH (13% O2, 1 h), fluoxetine (FLX) and their combination on depression-like behavior, serum corticosterone, and inflammatory cytokine levels induced by acute restraint stress in C57BL/6 female mice. Methods: Behavioral assessments included the tail suspension test, forced swim test, and open field test. Results: The combined IH + FLX treatment exhibited a synergistic effect, reducing immobility time and increasing latency time, respectively, in the tail suspension test (46%, p = 0.0014; 73%, p = 0.0033) and forced swim test (56%, p = 0.0082; 48%, p = 0.0322) compared to the ARS group. Biochemical analysis revealed that individual and combined treatments significantly reduced most inflammatory interleukins by up to 96%. Corticosterone levels were reduced by 30% only in the IH group. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of a one-hour IH session, particularly when combined with fluoxetine, to alleviate depressive-like behaviors and exert anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach for depression.

Ferulago Angulata methanolic extract ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairment through the inhibition of hippocampal monoamine oxidase activity

Ferulago angulata is a medicinal herb from the Apiaceae family known for its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to assess the effects of F. angulata extract on neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters in scopolamine-induced amnesic rats. Fifty-six male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups and orally treated with F. angulata extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) and Rivastigmine (1.5 mg/kg) for 10 days. Starting on the sixth day of treatment, the Morris water maze behavioral study was conducted to evaluate cognitive function, with scopolamine administered 30 min before training. Biochemical assays, including monoamine oxidase and oxidative stress measures, were performed on hippocampal tissue. Results showed that extract treatment significantly attenuated scopolamine-induced memory impairment in a dose-dependent manner. Following scopolamine administration, malondialdehyde levels and monoamine oxidase A/B activity increased, while total thiol content and catalase activity decreased compared to the control group. Pretreatment with F. angulata extracts ameliorated the scopolamine-induced impairment in all factors. Toxicological evaluation of liver, lung, heart, and kidney tissues did not indicate any side effects at high doses. The total extract of F. angulata prevents scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment through antioxidant mechanisms and inhibition of monoamine oxidase. These results suggest that F. angulata extract is effective in the scopolamine model and could be a promising agent for preventing dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease.

Terpenoids and Triterpenoid Saponins: Future Treatment for Depression

Background:

Depression is a crippling mental disorder with high prevalence around the world. The available clinical antidepressants have been effective to a certain degree, and different side effects have limited their application. This leads to the necessity of finding new treatments. Herbal plants are a substantial source of new drug leads. Terpenoid compounds are secondary metabolites representing an enormous category of structures found commonly in plants either as aglycones or attached to sugar moieties. These phytochemicals have been extensively studied for their various biological effects, and several have been investigated for potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of depression.

Aim:

This review aims to highlight the current knowledge on some terpenoids and triterpenoid saponins as potential antidepressant agents and their mechanisms of action, which may provide a better understanding of the potential antidepressant-like effects of these compounds and lead to the development of auspicious molecules with high efficiency and low side effects for depressive disorders treatment.

Methods:

A total of 16 plants containing antidepressant agents are reviewed in this article. 9 terpenoids and 23 triterpenoid saponins compounds have been reported to becommonly found in plant extracts, indicating potential use for depression. To enhance the datum of this review, the mechanism of action for the candidate compounds has been predicted via functional enrichment analysis.

Results:

The behavioural and neurochemical effects, as well as the possible mechanisms of action, have been evaluated in rodents by different predictive models of depression, mainly the acute stress models of the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The involved mechanisms include enhancing monoamine neurotransmitters, ameliorating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and normalizing the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Preclinical studies support the potential antidepressant activities of some terpenoid compounds. Furthermore, the functional enrichment analysis has confirmed the previous pre-clinical findings and predicted further mechanisms of action, including cellular calcium ion homeostasis, cellular response to dopamine, endocrine resistance, and regulating GABAergic, serotonergic, glutamatergic, and dopaminergic synapse, bedsides neurotransmitter reuptake.

Conclusion:

Terpenoids and triterpenoid saponins provide a large number of natural compounds. This review sheds light on terpenoids and triterpenoid saponins compounds with antidepressantlike activity and their potential mechanisms of action. However, more evaluations are required to confirm that these compounds are promising for discovering antidepressant drugs.

Scopoletin: a review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity

Scopoletin is a coumarin synthesized by diverse medicinal and edible plants, which plays a vital role as a therapeutic and chemopreventive agent in the treatment of a variety of diseases. In this review, an overview of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of scopoletin is provided. In addition, the prospects and outlook for future studies are appraised. Scopoletin is indicated to have antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammation, anti-angiogenesis, anti-oxidation, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties and immunomodulatory effects in both in vitro and in vivo experimental trials. In addition, it is an inhibitor of various enzymes, including choline acetyltransferase, acetylcholinesterase, and monoamine oxidase. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated the low bioavailability, rapid absorption, and extensive metabolism of scopoletin. These properties may be associated with its poor solubility in aqueous media. In addition, toxicity research indicates the non-toxicity of scopoletin to most cell types tested to date, suggesting that scopoletin will neither induce treatment-associated mortality nor abnormal performance with the test dose. Considering its favorable pharmacological activities, scopoletin has the potential to act as a drug candidate in the treatment of cancer, liver disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and mental disorders. In view of its merits and limitations, scopoletin is a suitable lead compound for the development of new, efficient, and low-toxicity derivatives. Additional studies are needed to explore its molecular mechanisms and targets, verify its toxicity, and promote its oral bioavailability.

FeCl3-catalyzed regioselective ring-opening of aryl oxirane with 4-hydroxycoumarin for the synthesis of furo[3,2-c]coumarins

The regioselective ring-opening of aryl oxiranes was investigated with various 4-hydroxycoumarins in dimethyl sulfoxide in the presence of 20 mol% FeCl3 as a catalyst at 110 °C. This approach provided a short and concise synthetic route for the regioselective synthesis of 2-aryl-4H-furo[3,2-c] coumarin derivatives. Product formation occurred through regioselective ring-opening of the aryl oxirane at a less hindered site, followed by dehydration and concomitant cyclization. The salient features of our protocol were: cost-effectiveness; short reaction time; step- and atom economy; easy handling; broad scope of substrates; regioselectivity; good-to-excellent yields; non-requirement of dry solvents, co-catalysts, ligands, or any other additives; inert atmospheric conditions.

Antidepressant effects of coumarins and their derivatives: A critical analysis of research advances

Coumarins and their derivatives are non-flavonoids polyphenols with diverse pharmacological activities including anti-depressant effects. This study systematically examines the antidepressant effects of coumarins and their derivatives in relation to time series of research progress in the pharmacological pathways, association with other diseases, toxicity and bibliometric analysis. The review was approached using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) coupled with R package involving Biblioshiny, a web interface for Bibliometrix analysis and VOSviewer software analytic tools. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed from the inception through January 21, 2023. Coumarins, depression, coumarin derivatives and treatment were the main search terms used which resulted in the inclusion of 46 eligible publications. Scopoletin, psoralen, 7-hydroxycoumarin, meranzin hydrate, osthole, esculetin/umbelliferone were the most studied coumarins with antidepressant effects. Coumarins and their derivatives exerted antidepressant effects with a stronger affinity for monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition and, their inhibitory effect via neurotransmitter pathway on MAO is well-studied. However, epigenetic modification, neuroendocrine, neurotrophic pathways are understudied. Recent research focuses on their antidepressant effects which targeted cytokines and fibromyalgia. There is a link between the gut microbiome, the brain, and depression; meranzin hydrate exerts an antidepressant activity by remodelling the gastrointestinal system. We established that empirical data on some coumarins and their derivatives to support their antidepressant effects are limited. Likewise, the safe dose range for several coumarins and their derivatives is yet to be fully determined.

Novel Coumarin-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidinone hybrid derivatives as anticancer agents: Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking

A series of coumarin-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidinone hybrid derivatives were synthesized, characterized by HR-MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. All synthesized compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activities against hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) and cervical carcinoma (Hela) cell lines in vitro, and results shown that most of the compounds exhibited potent antitumor activity. Moreover, compound 3i, 8d and 8i were selected to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells, and it displayed a significant concentration-dependent. Further, transwell migration assay was used to detect the most potent compound 8i, and the results revealed that 8i can significantly inhibit HepG2 cells migration and invasion. In addition, kinase activity assay showed compound 8i may be a multi-target inhibitor, which 8i has an inhibition rate of 40-20% on RON, ABL, GSK3α and so on ten different kinases at the concentration 1 μmol/L. At the same time, molecular docking studies revealed the possible binding modes of compounds 3i, 8d and 8i with kinase recepteur d'origine nantais (RON). A comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) model was established from 3D-QSAR study that guide us to a more bulkly and electro-positive Y group at the C-2 position of furo[2,3-d]pyrimidinone ring was preferable for the bioactivity improvement of our compounds. Our preliminary research indicated that the coumarin skeleton introducing to the furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine system had a significantly influence on the biological activities.

An Underutilized Food “Miwu”: Diet History, Nutritional Evaluations, and Countermeasures for Industrial Development

About 10 major crops basically feed the world. In fact, there are still a large number of plants that have not been fully explored and utilized because they have been ignored by the market and research. The expansion of food sources in various countries plays an important role in maintaining food security and nutrition security in the world. Miwu is the aerial part of the medicinal plant Rhizoma Chuanxiong belonging to a traditional local characteristic food raw material. Its edible value is still little known. Through textual research, component determination, literature survey, field research, and SWOT analysis, this paper has a comprehensive understanding of Miwu’s diet history, chemical components, safety risks, and industrial development status. It is found that Miwu has been eaten for 800 years, is rich in nutrients and active ingredients, and has no acute toxicity. In addition, the current industrial development of Miwu has significant advantages and many challenges. To sum up, Miwu is a potentially underutilized food raw material. This paper also provides countermeasures for the industrialized development of Miwu, which will provide a milestone reference for the future utilization and development of Miwu.

Antiplasmodial activity of coumarins isolated from Polygala boliviensis: in vitro and in silico studies

Polygala boliviensis is found in the Brazilian semiarid region. This specie is little chemically and biologically studied. Polygala spp. have different metabolites, especially coumarins. Studies indicate that coumarins have antimalarial potential, denoting the importance of researching new active compounds from plants, since the resistance of Plasmodium strains to conventional therapy has increased. The present study aimed to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of auraptene and poligalen against a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Coumarins were isolated from P. boliviensis by open column chromatography and identified by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. A cytotoxicity assay was carried out using MTT test, and the in vitro antiplasmodial activity was evaluated using the W2 strain. The antiplasmodial activity results found were IC50=0.171 ± 0.016 for auraptene and 0.164 ± 0.012 for poligalen; the selectivity indexes were 78.71 and 609.76, respectively. Inverse virtual screening in the BRAMMT database by OCTOPUS 1.2 was applied to coumarins to find potential P. falciparum targets and showed higher affinity energy of auraptene for purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PfPNP) and of poligalen for dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH). Molecular Dynamics studies (MD and MM-GBSA) approach were applied to calculate binding energies against selected P. falciparum targets and showed that all coumarins were stable at the binding site during simulations. Furthermore, energies were favorable for complexation. This is the first report of auraptene in P. boliviensis species and of in vitro antiplasmodial activity of auraptene and poligalen. In silico studies indicated that the mechanism of action of coumarins is the inhibition of PfPNP and PfDHODH.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Comparative evaluation of natural neuroprotectives and their combinations on chronic immobilization stress-induced depression in experimental mice

The present study evaluates the potential of neuroprotective phytochemicals-rutin (R), resveratrol (Res), 17β-estradiol (17β-E2), and their different combinations against chronic immobilization stress (CIS)-induced depression-like behaviour in male albino mice. Here, the mice were exposed to stress via immobilization of their four limbs under a restrainer for 6 h daily until 7 days of the induction after 30 min of respective drug treatment in different mice groups. The result found the protective effect of these phytoconstituents and their combinations against CIS-induced depression due to their ability to suppress oxidative stress, restore mitochondria, HPA-axis modulation, neurotransmitter level, stress hormones, and inflammatory markers. Also, the combination drug regimens of these phytoconstituents showed synergistic results in managing the physiological and biochemical features of depression. Thus, these neuroprotective could be utilized well in combination to manage depression-like symptoms during episodic stress. Furthermore, such results could be well justified when administered in polyherbal formulation with these neuroprotective as major components. In addition, an advanced study can be designed at the molecular and epigenetics level using a formulation based on these neuroprotective.

A review of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors in tobacco or tobacco smoke

Tobacco smoking is reputed to be the most difficult addiction of all to give up, and nicotine has been noted as the major addictive agent in tobacco smoke. However, research shows that nicotine addiction is due to more than nicotine alone. One hypothesis is that monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition from non-nicotinic components in, or derived from, tobacco smoke contributes to nicotine addiction. Harman and norharman, have been recognised as major and potent MAO inhibitors in tobacco smoke, but these two inhibitors together comprise perhaps less than 10% of the total MAO A inhibitory activity in cigarette smoke suggesting other unidentified components may make significant contributions to total inhibitory activity. Therefore, we reviewed an index of the chemical components of tobacco and tobacco smoke and identified those known to be MAO inhibitors. Amongst these inhibitors, phenols and phenolic acids with MAO inhibitory activity are commonly reversible and selective MAO A inhibitors, whereas trans,trans-farnesol, 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (menadione), 1,4-naphthoquinone, scopoletin, and diosmetin with MAO inhibitory activity are reversible and selective MAO B inhibitors. The compound, 1,4-benzoquinone is an irreversible MAO A inhibitor and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first irreversible MAO A inhibitor to be reported in tobacco smoke. MAO inhibitors have been used clinically to treat depression, anxiety, and Parkinson's disease. The MAO inhibitors identified from tobacco and tobacco smoke and summarized in this review, are potential pharmacological candidates to be investigated further. This review will enhance our knowledge of the way tobacco smoke affects MAO activity in smokers and will also be important in helping to understand nicotine addiction.

Mechanistic insights into the role of plant polyphenols and their nano-formulations in the management of depression

Depression is a condition characterized by low mood and an aversion to activity, that causes behavioral problems, poor quality of life and limits daily life activities. It is considered as the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), and atypical antidepressants are some of the conventional medications used to treat depression. However, only about half of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) respond effectively to first-line antidepressant therapy. Additionally, there are a number of drawbacks to standard antidepressants, such as anti-cholinergic side effects, drug-drug interactions, and food-drug interactions, which prompts researchers to look at alternative approaches to the treatment of depression. Medicinal plants and their metabolites are extensively tested for their efficacy against depression. Electronic databases such as Google scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder and PubMed were used to search relevant literature on the role of polyphenols in depression. Plants-derived Polyphenols represent a major class of compounds extensively distributed in plants. Number of polyphenols have demonstrated antidepressant activity, among which berberine, piperine, curcumin, naringenin, ascorbic acid and ginsenosides are extensively evaluated. The medicinal plants and their derived compounds mediated synthesized green nanoparticles have also exhibited considerable efficacy in the management of depression. The therapeutic effects of these phytochemicals is mediated via differentiation and inhibition of neuronal cell apoptosis, promotion of neuronal cell survival and modulation of key neurotransmitters. The aim of this study is to review compressively the chemical, pharmacological and neurological evidence showing the potential of polyphenols in depression.

Adera2.0: A Drug Repurposing Workflow for Neuroimmunological Investigations Using Neural Networks

Drug repurposing in the context of neuroimmunological (NI) investigations is still in its primary stages. Drug repurposing is an important method that bypasses lengthy drug discovery procedures and focuses on discovering new usages for known medications. Neuroimmunological diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and depression, include various pathologies that result from the interaction between the central nervous system and the immune system. However, the repurposing of NI medications is hindered by the vast amount of information that needs mining. We previously presented Adera1.0, which was capable of text mining PubMed for answering query-based questions. However, Adera1.0 was not able to automatically identify chemical compounds within relevant sentences. To challenge the need for repurposing known medications for neuroimmunological diseases, we built a deep neural network named Adera2.0 to perform drug repurposing. The workflow uses three deep learning networks. The first network is an encoder and its main task is to embed text into matrices. The second network uses a mean squared error (MSE) loss function to predict answers in the form of embedded matrices. The third network, which constitutes the main novelty in our updated workflow, also uses a MSE loss function. Its main usage is to extract compound names from relevant sentences resulting from the previous network. To optimize the network function, we compared eight different designs. We found that a deep neural network consisting of an RNN neural network and a leaky ReLU could achieve 0.0001 loss and 67% sensitivity. Additionally, we validated Adera2.0's ability to predict NI drug usage against the DRUG Repurposing Hub database. These results establish the ability of Adera2.0 to repurpose drug candidates that can shorten the development of the drug cycle. The workflow could be download online.

Curcumin-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Dispersed in Thermo-Responsive Hydrogel as Potential Alzheimer Disease Therapy

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive and behavioral impairment. Curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-CCM) can overcome the drawbacks related to the free curcumin (CCM) clinical application, such as water insolubility and low bioavailability, besides acting over the main causes associated to AD. A thermo-responsive hydrogel is an interesting approach for facilitating the administration of the nanosystem via a nasal route, as well as for overcoming mucociliary clearance mechanisms. In light of this, MSN-CCM were dispersed in the hydrogel and evaluated through in vitro and in vivo assays. The MSNs and MSN-CCM were successfully characterized by physicochemical analysis and a high value of the CCM encapsulation efficiency (EE%, 87.70 ± 0.05) was achieved. The designed thermo-responsive hydrogel (HG) was characterized by rheology, texture profile analysis, and ex vivo mucoadhesion, showing excellent mechanical and mucoadhesive properties. Ex vivo permeation studies of MSN-CCM and HG@MSN-CCM showed high permeation values (12.46 ± 1.08 and 28.40 ± 1.88 μg cm⁻² of CCM, respectively) in porcine nasal mucosa. In vivo studies performed in a streptozotocin-induced AD model confirmed that HG@MSN-CCM reverted the cognitive deficit in mice, acting as a potential formulation in the treatment of AD.

Pharmacological effects and therapeutic potential of natural compounds in neuropsychiatric disorders: An update

Neuropsychiatric diseases are a group of disorders that cause significant morbidity and disability. The symptoms of psychiatric disorders include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and conduct disorder. Various medicinal plants are frequently used as therapeutics in traditional medicine in different parts of the world. Nowadays, using medicinal plants as an alternative medication has been considered due to their biological safety. Despite the wide range of medications, many patients are unable to tolerate the side effects and eventually lose their response. By considering the therapeutic advantages of medicinal plants in the case of side effects, patients may prefer to use them instead of chemical drugs. Today, the use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is diverse and increasing, and these plants are a precious heritage for humanity. Investigation about traditional medicine continues, and several studies have indicated the basic pharmacology and clinical efficacy of herbal medicine. In this article, we discuss five of the most important and common psychiatric illnesses investigated in various studies along with conventional therapies and their pharmacological therapies. For this comprehensive review, data were obtained from electronic databases such as MedLine/PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, DynaMed Plus, ScienceDirect, and TRIP database. Preclinical pharmacology studies have confirmed that some bioactive compounds may have beneficial therapeutic effects in some common psychiatric disorders. The mechanisms of action of the analyzed biocompounds are presented in detail. The bioactive compounds analyzed in this review are promising phytochemicals for adjuvant and complementary drug candidates in the pharmacotherapy of neuropsychiatric diseases. Although comparative studies have been carefully reviewed in the preclinical pharmacology field, no clinical studies have been found to confirm the efficacy of herbal medicines compared to FDA-approved medicines for the treatment of mental disorders. Therefore, future clinical studies are needed to accelerate the potential use of natural compounds in the management of these diseases.

Natural Products for the Treatment of Post-stroke Depression

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most frequent and important neuropsychiatric consequence of stroke. It is strongly associated with exacerbated deterioration of functional recovery, physical and cognitive recoveries, and quality of life. However, its mechanism is remarkably complicated, including the neurotransmitters hypothesis (which consists of a monoaminergic hypothesis and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity hypothesis), inflammation hypothesis, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and neurotrophic hypothesis and neuroplasticity. So far, the underlying pathogenesis of PSD has not been clearly defined yet. At present, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been used as the first-line drugs to treat patients with PSD. Additionally, more than SSRIs, a majority of the current antidepressants complied with multiple side effects, which limits their clinical application. Currently, a wide variety of studies revealed the therapeutic potential of natural products in the management of several diseases, especially PSD, with minor side effects. Accordingly, in our present review, we aim to summarize the therapeutic targets of these compounds and their potential role in-clinic therapy for patients with PSD.

Myrsinoic acid B from Myrsine coriacea reverses depressive-like behavior and brain oxidative stress in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

AIMS

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 322 million people worldwide and is a common comorbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). A possible pathophysiological mechanism correlating both diseases is the increased oxidative stress in brain regions due to hyperglycemia. Myrsine coriacea (Primulaceae) is popularly known as "capororoca" and studies have been shown that this plant exhibits several pharmacological properties attributed to myrsinoic acid A (MAA) and B (MAB). Indeed, previous results have been shown its effects on the central nervous system, leading us to explore possible psychotropic effects.

MAIN METHODS

The effects of treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of the barks from Myrsine coriacea (HEBMC, 150 mg/kg, o.g.), MAA (5 mg/kg, o.g.), and MAB (3 mg/kg, o.g.) were evaluated in streptozotocin (75 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced diabetic female rats. After 28 days of treatments, rats were submitted to the forced swim test (FST) and open field test (OFT). Also, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) levels were evaluated in the hippocampus (HIP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of these rats.

KEY FINDINGS

The treatment with MAA or MAB increased the latency of first immobility in diabetic rats, and the HEBMC administration decreased the immobility time, and increase the climbing in FST. However, only MAB treatment reduces the immobility time, increases the climbing, and swimming in FST, and increases the crossing of diabetic animals in the OFT. Besides, this behavioral improvement promoted by MAB administration was accompanied by reducing in oxidative stress in the HIP and PFC, but not reducing hyperglycemia in diabetic rats.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results suggest that MAB's antioxidant effect in the HIP of diabetic animals may be essential to its antidepressant-like effect.

Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Depression: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

Medicinal plants and their extracts are natural remedies with enormous potential for treating various diseases, including depression and anxiety. In the case of depression, hundreds of plants have traditionally been used in folk medicine for generations. Different plant extracts and natural products have been analyzed as potential antidepressant agents with validated models to test for antidepressant-like effects in animals, although other complementary studies have also been employed. Most of these studies focus on the possible mediators implicated in these potential effects, with dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline being the principal neurotransmitters implicated, both through interference with receptors and with their metabolism by monoamino oxidases, as well as through neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective effects. There are approximately 650 reports of antidepressant-like medicinal plants in PubMed; 155 of them have been compiled in this review, with a relevant group yielding positive results. Saffron and turmeric are the most relevant species studied in both preclinical and clinical studies; St. John's wort or kava have also been tested extensively. To the best of our knowledge, no review to date has provided a comprehensive understanding of the biomolecular mechanisms of action of these herbs or of whether their potential effects could have real benefits. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an update regarding medicinal plants from the year 2000 to the present to examine the therapeutic potential of these antidepressant-like plants in order to contribute to the development of new therapeutic methods to alleviate the tremendous burden that depression causes worldwide.

R (-)-methoxetamine exerts rapid and sustained antidepressant effects and fewer behavioral side effects relative to S (+)-methoxetamine

The newfound antidepressant efficacy of ketamine has provided opportunities for the development of new-generation, rapid-acting, glutamate-based antidepressants. We previously identified that methoxetamine (MXE), a ketamine analog, and an N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, produced rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in mice. MXE (R, S (±)-MXE) is a racemic mixture containing equal parts of S (+)-MXE and R (-)-MXE. However, studies have yet to investigate the antidepressant effects of its enantiomers. Here, we examined the potential antidepressant properties and behavioral side effects of S- and R-MXE in mice. Both S- and R-MXE showed significant NMDA receptor affinity and appreciable inhibitory activity on serotonin transporter. Also, S- and R-MXE (10 mg kg^-1) exerted antidepressant effects and increased gamma waves (electroencephalography) but were inhibited by NBQX (an AMPA receptor antagonist). Subsequently, they increased mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation and AMPA receptor subunits GluA1 and GluA2 protein levels in the hippocampus or prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, they increased 5HT2a and 5HT2c receptor mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex, with their antidepressant effects inhibited by ketanserin (a 5HT2a/c receptor antagonist). Taken together, S-MXE and R-MXE elicit antidepressant effects that are probably mediated via glutamatergic and serotonergic mechanisms. Unlike S-MXE, R-MXE did not induce prepulse inhibition deficits, hyperlocomotion, conditioned place preference, and locomotor sensitization, although it acutely altered motor coordination. This suggests that R-MXE induces fewer behavioral side effects and is a safer antidepressant than S-MXE. Overall, this study provides significant implications for future research on the next generation of rapid-acting, glutamate-based antidepressant drugs.

Discovering the Potentials of Medicinal Mushrooms in Combating Depression - A Review

Depression is the most common form of mental illness and the major cause of disability worldwide. Symptoms of depression, including feelings of intense sadness and hopelessness, may occur after a specific event or in response to a gradual decline in health and functional status, often associated with aging. Current therapies for treating these symptoms include antidepressant drugs, counseling and behavioral therapy. However, antidepressant drugs are associated with mild to severe adverse effects, which has prompted the need for better treatment options. Medicinal mushrooms are valuable sources of food and medicine and are increasingly being used as supplements or as alternative medicines in standard healthcare. Numerous studies have provided insights into the neuroprotective effects of medicinal mushrooms, which are attributed to their antioxidant, anti-neuroinflammatory, cholinesterase inhibitory and neuroprotective properties. In this review, we comprehensively examine the role of these medicinal mushrooms in the treatment of depression. However, to apply these natural products in clinical settings, the therapeutic agent needs to be properly evaluated, including the active ingredients, the presence of synergistic effects, efficient extraction methods, and stabilization of the active ingredients for delivery into the body as well as crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Biomedical Implications of Plant-Based Principles as Antidepressants: Prospects for Novel Drug Development

BACKGROUND

Depression is a most common mental disorder. The symptoms of depression include loss of energy, changes in appetite, more or less sleep, anxiety, low concentration, uncertainty, restlessness, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or despair, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. In order to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective medication, the plants based principles in isolation or in combination with traditional antidepressants are attracting increasing attention for depression therapy.

METHOD

The information regarding the present review and its contents such as collected from published literature materials in different international journals. We have used different search engines such as PubMed, Medline, ResearchGate Google Semantic Scholar and ScienceDirect. For this purpose, the data obtained were properly organized and suitably analyzed to include in this article.

RESULTS

Most of the phytomolecules isolated from the medicinal plants display antidepressant effect through the synaptic regulation of levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline in different parts of the brain. The mechanism of action of phytomolecules also involves negative regulation of the activities of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and prevention of hyperactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition, the strong antioxidative and antiinflamatory potential of these phytochemicals offer synergy to their antidepressant as well as antipsychosomatic functions.

CONCLUSION

The application of phytochemicals has proved it to be a safe, cost effective and efficient therapeutic agent to treat the patients suffering from mild to severe state of depression and other psychiatric disorders. The potential phytochemicals may be further optimized using in silico tools to develop better antidepressants and antisychotic agents in future.

Polygala sabulosa A.W. Bennett extract mitigates motor and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of acute ischemia

Stroke is considered one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The treatment is limited; however, the Brazilian flora has a great source of natural products with therapeutic potentials. Studies with the medicinal plant Polygala sabulosa W. Bennett provided evidence for its use as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective drug. In the case of ischemic stroke due to lack of oxygen, both acute and chronic inflammatory processes are activated. Thus, we hypothesized that P. sabulosa (HEPs) has the potential to treat the motor and cognitive deficits generated by ischemic stroke. Male mice were subjected to global ischemia for 60 min, followed by reperfusion and orally treated with HEPs (100 mg/kg in saline + 3% tween 20) twice a day (12 h apart) for 48 h starting 3 h after surgery. Motor skills were assessed using grip force and open field tasks. Hippocampi were then collected for mRNA quantification of the cytokines IL-1-β and TNF-α levels. After 48 h of acute treatment, spatial reference memory was evaluated in a Morris water maze test for another group of animals. We show that HEPs treatment significantly prevented motor weakness induced by ischemia. Brain infarct area was reduced by 22.25% with downregulation of the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA. Learning performance and memory ability on Morris water maze task were similar to the sham group. Our data demonstrates the neuroprotective properties of HEPs through its anti-inflammatory activities, which prevent motor and cognitive impairments, suggesting that HEPs may be an effective therapy for ischemic stroke.

Artemisia scoparia and Metabolic Health: Untapped Potential of an Ancient Remedy for Modern Use

Botanicals have a long history of medicinal use for a multitude of ailments, and many modern pharmaceuticals were originally isolated from plants or derived from phytochemicals. Among these, artemisinin, first isolated from Artemisia annua, is the foundation for standard anti-malarial therapies. Plants of the genus Artemisia are among the most common herbal remedies across Asia and Central Europe. The species Artemisia scoparia (SCOPA) is widely used in traditional folk medicine for various liver diseases and inflammatory conditions, as well as for infections, fever, pain, cancer, and diabetes. Modern in vivo and in vitro studies have now investigated SCOPA's effects on these pathologies and its ability to mitigate hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, obesity, diabetes, and other disease states. This review focuses on the effects of SCOPA that are particularly relevant to metabolic health. Indeed, in recent years, an ethanolic extract of SCOPA has been shown to enhance differentiation of cultured adipocytes and to share some properties of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), a class of insulin-sensitizing agonists of the adipogenic transcription factor PPARγ. In a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, SCOPA diet supplementation lowered fasting insulin and glucose levels, while inducing metabolically favorable changes in adipose tissue and liver. These observations are consistent with many lines of evidence from various tissues and cell types known to contribute to metabolic homeostasis, including immune cells, hepatocytes, and pancreatic beta-cells. Compounds belonging to several classes of phytochemicals have been implicated in these effects, and we provide an overview of these bioactives. The ongoing global epidemics of obesity and metabolic disease clearly require novel therapeutic approaches. While the mechanisms involved in SCOPA's effects on metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and oxidative stress pathways are not fully characterized, current data support further investigation of this plant and its bioactives as potential therapeutic agents in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction and many other conditions.

The protective effect of 5-O-methylvisammioside on LPS-induced depression in mice by inhibiting the over activation of BV-2 microglia through Nf-κB/IκB-α pathway

BACKGROUND

5-O-methylvisammioside (MeV), also known as 4'-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol, is a conventional marker compound for quality control of roots of Saposhnikovia diviaricata (Radix Saposhnikoviae), which exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities.

PURPOSE

According to the activity of MeV, we speculated that MeV may have antidepressant effect on LPS induced depression, and further explored its mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN

First, to explore the effect and mechanism of MeV on LPS-induced depression in mice, and then to further explore the effect and mechanism of MeV on LPS-activated BV-2 microglia.

METHODS

By the OFT, EPM, TST and FST behavioral tests, to explore the effect of MeV pretreatment on the behavior of LPS-induced depression mice. ELISA and Griess method were used to detect the changes of the serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels, the hippocampus SOD and MDA levels, and the NO, SOD, MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the culture medium of LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression in the Nf-κB/IκB-α and BDNF/TrkB pathway in the hippocampus of mice and BV-2 microglia.

RESULTS

MeV (4 mg/kg, i.p.) pretreatment significantly improves the activity and exploration ability of LPS-induced depression mice, and reduces the immobility time. MeV inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum of mice induced by LPS, such as IL-6 and TNF-α. MeV also increased the levels of SOD and reduces the expression of MDA in the hippocampus, thus promoting the alleviation of depressive symptoms in mice. Western blotting analysis showed that the antidepressant activity of MeV was related to the decrease of Nf-κB nuclear transport, the inhibition of IκB-α phosphorylation, and the increase of BDNF and TrkB expression. MeV (40 μM) significantly reduced the contents of NO, MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 in the culture medium of LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia, and increased the content of SOD.

CONCLUSION

MeV can regulate the neurotrophic factors in the mouse brain, reduce the content of inflammatory factors by the Nf-κB/IκB-α pathway, improve oxidative stress, and inhibit the excessive activation of LPS-stimulated BV -2 microglia. It effectively reversed the depression-like behAavior induced by LPS in mice.

Design of Fluorescent Coumarin-Hydroxamic Acid Derivatives as Inhibitors of HDACs: Synthesis, Anti-Proliferative Evaluation and Docking Studies

Coumarin-hydroxamic acid derivatives 7a-k were herein designed with a dual purpose: as antiproliferative agents and fluorescent probes. The compounds were synthesized in moderate yields (30-87%) through a simple methodology, biological evaluation was carried out on prostate (PC3) and breast cancer (BT-474 and MDA-MB-231) cell lines to determine the effects on cell proliferation and gene expression. For compounds 7c, 7e, 7f, 7i and 7j the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation was similar to that found with the reference compound at a comparable concentration (10 μM), in addition, their molecular docking studies performed on histone deacetylases 1, 6 and 8 showed strong binding to the respective active sites. In most cases, antiproliferative activity was accompanied by greater levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, downregulation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene, and regulation of cyclin D1 gene expression. We conclude that compounds 7c, 7e, 7f, 7i and 7j may be considered as potential anticancer agents, considering their antiproliferative properties, their effect on the regulation of the genes, as well as their capacity to dock to the active sites. The fluorescent properties of compound 7j and 7k suggest that they can provide further insight into the mechanism of action.

Panaxynol attenuates CUMS-induced anxiety and depressive-like behaviors via regulating neurotransmitters, synapses and the HPA axis in mice

Panaxynol (PAL, also called falcarinol) is widely found in plants of the Umbelliferae family, among which carrots are rich in PAL, so it is proved to be edible. PAL has neuroprotective effects and other pharmacological activities. This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of action of PAL on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced anxiety and depression in mice. The effects of PAL on behavioral activities in mice were first assessed by a CUMS-induced depression model. The secretion levels of monoamine neurotransmitters and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-related hormones were measured by ELISA. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1) and synapse-associated protein in the hippocampus. The behavioral experiment results showed that PAL can improve exploratory behavior and activities in mice. Meanwhile, PAL can significantly activate the release of 5-HT/5-HIAA and DA/HVA in the hippocampus. It inhibits the expression of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT) and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) in serum and the hypothalamus. The contents of GR, glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95) and synapsin I protein in the hippocampus significantly increased. Studies have found that PAL can inhibit the hyperfunction of the HPA axis, which may be achieved by regulating HPA axis hormones and GR. Meanwhile, PAL promotes the release of 5-HT and DA in the hippocampus and improves synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, allowing neurotransmitters to function more effectively. Therefore, PAL may improve anxiety and depression-like effects in mice through the abovementioned effects.

Xanthotoxin reverses Parkinson's disease-like symptoms in zebrafish larvae and mice models: a comparative study

Background

The aim of this study is to preliminary evaluate the antiparkinsonian activity of furanocoumarin—xanthotoxin, in two behavioral animal models, zebrafish larvae treated with 6-hydroxydopamine and mice treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in order to compare both models.

Methods

Xanthotoxin was isolated from Pastinaca sativa L. (Apiaceae) fruits. Then, the compound was administered by immersion to zebrafish 5 days after fertilization (dpf) larvae or intraperitoneally to male Swiss mice, as a potential therapeutic agent against locomotor impairments.

Results

Acute xanthotoxin administration at the concentration of 7.5 µM reversed locomotor activity impairments in 5-dpf zebrafish larvae. In mice model, acute xanthotoxin administration alleviated movement impairments at the concentration of 25 mg/kg.

Conclusions

The similar activity of the same substance in two different animal models indicates their compatibility and proves the potential of in vivo bioassays based on zebrafish models. Results of our study indicate that xanthotoxin may be considered as a potential lead compound in the discovery of antiparkinsonian drugs.

Rapid action of mechanism investigation of Yixin Ningshen tablet in treating depression by combinatorial use of systems biology and bioinformatics tools

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yixin Ningshen tablet is a CFDA-approved TCM formula for treating depression clinically. However, little is known about its active compounds and related potential target proteins, so far, no researches have been performed to investigate its mechanism of action for the treatment of depression.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Here we develop an original bioinformatics pipeline composed of text mining tools, database querying and systems biology combinatorial analysis, which is applied to rapidly explore the mechanism of action of Yixin Ningshen tablet in treating depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Text mining and database query were applied to identify active compounds in Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of depression. Then SwissTargetPrediction was used to predict their potential target proteins. PubMed was retrieved to summarize known depression related systems biology results. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tools and STRING were applied to construct a compound-target protein-gene protein-differential protein-differential metabolite network with the integration of compound-target interaction and systems biology results, as well as enrich the target proteins related pathways. ChEMBL and CDOCKER were used to validate the compound-target interactions.

RESULTS

62 active compounds and their 286 potential target proteins were identified in Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of depression. The construction of compound-target protein-gene protein-differential protein-differential metabolite network shrinked the number of potential target proteins from 286 to 133. Pathway enrichment analysis of target proteins indicated that Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Calcium signaling pathway, Serotonergic synapse, cAMP signaling pathway and Gap junction were the common primary pathways regulated by both Yixin Ningshen Tablet and anti-depressant drugs, and MAPK, Relaxin, AGE-RAGE, Estrogen, HIF-1, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, Endocrine resistance, Arachidonic acid metabolism and Regulation of actin cytoskeleton were the specifically main pathways regulated by Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of depression. Further validations based on references and molecular docking results demonstrated that Yixin Ningshen tablet could primarily target MAPT, CHRM1 and DRD1, thus regulating serotonergic neurons, cholinergic transmission, norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake for the treatment of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study displays the power of extensive mining of public data and bioinformatical repositories to provide answers for a specific pharmacological question. It furthermore demonstrates how the usage of such a combinatorial approach is advantageous for the biologist in terms of experimentation time and costs.

Isofraxidin: Synthesis, Biosynthesis, Isolation, Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacological Properties

Isofraxidin (7-hydroxy-6, 8-dimethoxy coumarin) (IF) is a hydroxy coumarin with several biological and pharmacological activities. The plant kingdom is of the most prominent sources of IF, which, among them, Eleutherococcus and Fraxinus are the well-known genera in which IF could be isolated/extracted from their species. Considering the complex pathophysiological mechanisms behind some diseases (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and heart diseases), introducing IF as a potent multi-target agent, which possesses several herbal sources and the multiple methods for isolation/purification/synthesis, along with the unique pharmacokinetic profile and low levels of side effects, could be of great importance. Accordingly, a comprehensive review was done without time limitations until February 2020. IF extraction methods include microwave, mechanochemical, and ultrasound, along with other conventional methods in the presence of semi-polar solvents such as ethyl acetate (EtOAc). In addition to the isolation methods, related synthesis protocols of IF is also of great importance. From the synthesis point of view, benzaldehyde derivatives are widely used as precursors for IF synthesis. Along with the methods of isolation and biosynthesis, IF pharmacokinetic studies showed hopeful in vivo results of its rapid absorption after oral uses, leading to different pharmacological effects. In this regard, IF targets varieties of inflammatory mediators including nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). thereby indicating anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. This is the first review on the synthesis, biosynthesis, isolation, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of IF in combating different diseases.

Dopaminergic system contribution to the antidepressant-like effect of 3-phenyl-4-(phenylseleno) isoquinoline in mice

Depression is a serious disorder characterized by imbalance of mood and emotions, which is accompanied by the reduction in the monoaminergic signaling. The monoamine oxidase inhibition could lead to an increase in monoaminergic neurotransmitter levels in the brain. According to our previous study, 3-phenyl-4-(phenylseleno) isoquinoline (PSI) is a selective and reversible MAO-B inhibitor in vitro. The present study investigated the putative ex vivo inhibitory effect of a single PSI dose on the cerebral MAO activity and its antidepressant-like action in the mouse forced swimming test (FST). Additionally, the dopaminergic system contribution to the antidepressant-like effect of PSI was also evaluated. For this, PSI was dissolved in canola oil to determine time-course (0.5-24 h) and dose-response (25-100 mg/kg, 10 ml/kg, intragastrically) curves of MAO activity inhibition using adult C57Bl/6 male mice. A single PSI dose of 100 mg/kg inhibited the MAO-B activity in the whole brain 8 h after administration to mice, while it did not alter the MAO-A activity. The FST was carried out 0.5, 8, and 24 h after the PSI administration (100 mg/kg) or vehicle, but its antidepressant-like effect was demonstrated only at 0.5 and 8 h after treatment. Lastly, the contribution of dopaminergic system in the PSI antidepressant-like effect was demonstrated by using dopamine receptors antagonists, SCH23390, haloperidol and sulpiride. Thus, a single PSI dose of 100 mg/kg had an antidepressant-like effect in mice subjected to the FST 0.5 and 8 h after its administration. Moreover, the inhibition of cerebral MAO-B activity and modulation of dopamine receptors contributed to the antidepressant-like effect of PSI in mice.

Do We Build Similar Molecules for Comorbid Diseases? Tevarud in Drug Design, an Analysis for Depression and Inflammation

Tevarud designates two poets coincidently writing a same verse in the Ottoman Divan literature. This study aims to analyze the structural similarity of molecules independently designed for inflammation and depression to determine if coincidentally we are building similar molecules for comorbid diseases. For this purpose, a molecule library was first constituted with structures that were developed as anti-inflammatory (AI) and antidepressant (AD) agents these last decades. Then, the similarity of the structures was determined by calculating the Tanimoto and Cosine similarity coefficients for each AD/AI pair. The highest scores were obtained for two theophylline derivatives: AD17 (for which some AI activity was found to be mentioned) and AI42. The study also pointed out the similarity of some AD coumarins with some AI flavonoids interestingly found to be highly similar to some AI coumarins and AD flavonoids, respectively. Thus, our investigation demonstrated that structures independently developed as AD and AI derivatives can present extremely high structural similarity, a finding that can suggest mechanistic interconnection for these comorbid diseases and also guide for the design of novel bioactive compounds.

Scopoletin ameliorates anxiety-like behaviors in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced mouse model

Anxiety disorder is highly prevalent worldwide and represents a chronic and functionally disabling condition, with high levels of psychological stress characterized by cognitive and physiological symptoms. Scopoletin (SP), a main active compound in Angelica dahurica, is traditionally used for the treatment of headache, rhinitis, pain, and other conditions. Here, we evaluated the effects of SP in a mouse model of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced chronic inflammation anxiety. SP (2.0, 10.0, 50.0 mg/kg) administration for 2 weeks dose-dependently ameliorated CFA-induced anxiety-like behaviors in the open field test and elevated plus maze test. Moreover, we found that SP treatment inhibited microglia activation and decreased both peripheral and central IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the imbalance in excitatory/inhibitory receptors and neurotransmitters in the basolateral nucleus after CFA injection was also modulated by SP administration. Our findings indicate that the inhibition of the nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways involving anti-inflammatory activities and regulation of the excitatory/inhibitory balance can be attributed to the anxiolytic effects of SP. Moreover, our molecular docking analyses show that SP also has good affinity for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase and GABA_A receptors. Therefore, these results suggest that SP could be a candidate compound for anxiolytic therapy and for use as a structural base for developing new drugs.

Coumarin-piperazine derivatives as biologically active compounds

A number of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, depression and others CNS diseases are known to induce defects in the function of neural pathways sustained by the neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin. N-arylpiperazine moiety is important for CNS-activity, particularly for serotonergic and dopaminergic activity. In the scientific literature there are many examples of coumarin-piperazine derivatives, particularly with arylpiperazines linked to a coumarin system via an alkyl liner, which can modulate serotonin, dopamine and adrenergic receptors. Numerous studies have revealed that the inclusion of a piperazine moiety could occasionally provide unexpected improvements in the bioactivity of various biologically active compounds. The piperazine analogs have been shown to have a potent antimicrobial activity and they can also act as BACE-1 inhibitors. On the other hand, arylpiperazines linked to coumarin derivatives have been shown to have antiproliferative activity against leukemia, lung, colon, breast, and prostate tumors. Recently, it has been reported that coumarin-piperazine derivatives exhibit a Fneuroprotective effect by their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and they also show activity as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and antifilarial activity. In this work we provide a summary of the latest advances in coumarin-related chemistry relevant for biological activity.

Inhibitory effect of coumarin and its analogs on insulin fibrillation /cytotoxicity is depend on oligomerization states of the protein

Looking through a historical lens, attention to the stabilization of pharmaceutical proteins/peptides has been dramatically increased. Human insulin is the most challenging and the most widely used pharmaceutical protein in the world. In this study, the protein and coumarin as a plant-derived phenolic compound and two coumarin analogs with different moieties were investigated to evaluate the protein fibrillation and cytotoxicity. The obtained data showed that with a change in environmental pH, the behavior of the compounds on the process of insulin fibrillation will be changed completely. Coumarin (C1) and its hydrophobic analog, 7-methyl coumarin (C2), in an acidic environment, inhibit insulin fibrillation, change the oligomerization state of insulin and produce fibrils with notable lateral interactions with low cytotoxicity. However, negatively-charged 3-trifluoromethyl coumarin (C3) without significant changes in insulin structure and by altering the oligomerization state of the protein, slightly accelerates hormone fibrillation. Also, the compounds showed a disulfide protecting role during protein aggregation. Regarding the toxicity of the fibrils, it was observed that in addition to the secondary structures of proteinous fibrils, the ability to destroy the cell membrane is also related to the length of the fibrils and their degree of lateral interactions. By and large, this work can be useful in finding a better formulation for bio-pharmaceutical macro-molecules.

The effect of the applied compounds on insulin fibrillation at two pHs. By and large, the compounds through changing the oligomerization states and altering structure integrity of insulin can govern the fibrillation process.

Mapping the Biotransformation of Coumarins through Filamentous Fungi

Natural coumarins are present in remarkable amounts as secondary metabolites in edible and medicinal plants, where they display interesting bioactivities. Considering the wide enzymatic arsenal of filamentous fungi, studies on the biotransformation of coumarins using these microorganisms have great importance in green chemical derivatization. Several reports on the biotransformation of coumarins using fungi have highlighted the achievement of chemical analogs with high selectivity by using mild and ecofriendly conditions. Prompted by the enormous pharmacological, alimentary, and chemical interest in coumarin-like compounds, this study evaluated the biotransformation of nine coumarin scaffolds using Cunninghamella elegans ATCC 10028b and Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404. The chemical reactions which were catalyzed by the microorganisms were highly selective. Among the nine studied coumarins, only two of them were biotransformed. One of the coumarins, 7-hydroxy-2,3-dihydrocyclopenta[c]chromen-4(1H)-one, was biotransformed into the new 7,9-dihydroxy-2,3-dihydrocyclopenta[c]chromen-4(1H)-one, which was generated by selective hydroxylation in an unactivated carbon. Our results highlight some chemical features of coumarin cores that are important to biotransformation using filamentous fungi.

Persistent Lin28 Expression Impairs Neurite Outgrowth and Cognitive Function in the Developing Mouse Neocortex

Many neurodevelopmental disorders feature learning and memory difficulties. Regulation of neurite outgrowth during development is critical for neural plasticity and memory function. Here, we show a novel regulator of neurite outgrowth during cortical neurogenesis, Lin28, which is an RNA-binding protein. Persistent Lin28 upregulation by in utero electroporation at E14.5 resulted in neurite underdevelopment during cortical neurogenesis. We also showed that Lin28-overexpressing cells had an attenuated response to excitatory inputs and altered membrane properties including higher input resistance, slower action potential repolarization, and smaller hyperpolarization-activated cation currents, supporting impaired neuronal functionality in Lin28-electroporated mice. When we ameliorated perturbed Lin28 expression by siRNA, Lin28-induced neurite underdevelopment was rescued with reduction of Lin28-downstream molecules, high mobility group AT-Hook 2, and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor. Finally, Lin28-electroporated mice showed significant memory deficits as assessed by the Morris water maze test. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a new role and the essential requirement of Lin28 in developmental control of neurite outgrowth, which has an impact on synaptic plasticity and spatial memory. These findings suggest that targeting Lin28 may attenuate intellectual disabilities by correction of impaired dendritic complexity, providing a novel therapeutic candidate for treating neurodevelopmental disorders.

Antidepressant and anxiolytic like effects of Urtica dioica leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of Urtica dioica Linn. (UD) extract against chronic diabetes mediated anxiogenic and depressive like behavior in mice. Streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 consecutive days was used to induce diabetes followed by treatment with UD leaves extract (50 mg/kg, p.o.) and rosiglitazone (ROSI) (5 mg/kg, p.o.) for 8 weeks. STZ induced chronic diabetes significantly induced anxiety and depressive like behavior in mice. Chronic diabetes significantly downregulated BDNF (p < 0.001), TrKB (p < 0.001), Cyclin D1 (p < 0.001), Bcl2 (p < 0.05) and autophagy7 (p < 0.001), while upregulated iNOS (p < 0.05) mRNA expression in the hippocampus as compared to control mice. In addition, chronic diabetes significantly increased the expression of TNF-α in CA1 (p < 0.001), CA2 (p < 0.01), CA3 (p < 0.001) and DG (p < 0.001) regions of hippocampus as compared to control mice. Chronic diabetes mediated neuronal damage in the CA2, CA3 and DG regions of hippocampus. Chronic administration of UD leaves extract significantly reversed diabetes mediated anxiogenic and depressive like behavior in mice. Further, UD treatment significantly upregulated BDNF (p < 0.01), TrKB (p < 0.001), Cyclin D1 (p < 0.001), Bcl2 (p < 0.01), autophagy5 (p < 0.01) and autophagy7 (p < 0.001), while downregulated iNOS (p < 0.05) mRNA expression in the hippocampus of diabetic mice. Concomitantly, UD administration significantly decreased the expression of TNF-α in hippocampal CA1 (p < 0.001), CA2 (p < 0.01), CA3 (p < 0.001) and DG (p < 0.001) regions of diabetic mice. Diabetes mediated neuronal damage and DNA fragmentation in the hippocampus was substantially attenuated following UD treatment. UD leaves extract might prove to be effective for diabetes mediated anxiety and depressive like behavior.