Changes in plasma 5-HT levels and equine leukocyte SERT expression in response to treadmill exercise

The effects of mind-body exercise on anxiety and depression in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Limited research directly compares the clinical effects of different types of mind-body exercises on anxiety and depression in older adults. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that meet the inclusion criteria to explore the intervention effects of five different types of mind-body exercises in improving anxiety and depression in older adults.

Methods

We followed the PRISMA-NMA guidelines and conducted searches in the Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up to July 28, 2023. The language was limited to English. Two independent reviewers conducted literature screening and data extraction. Review Manager 5.4 was used to perform Pairwise meta-analysis and risk assessment, while STATA version 15 software was used for network meta-analysis.

Result

A total of 42 studies, involving 2974 participants, were included. The results of the traditional meta-analysis showed that mind-body exercises were superior to the control group in alleviating anxiety (SMD: -0.87, 95% CI: -1.43, -0.31, p<0.05, I2 = 95%) and depressive (SMD: -0.52, 95% CI: -0.71, -0.34, p<0.05, I2 = 80%). In the network meta-analysis, the ranking of treatment effects for anxiety showed that Tai Chi > Qigong > Yoga > Dance > control group, while for depression, the ranking showed Tai Chi > Pilates > Yoga > Qigong > Dance > control group.

Conclusion

This study found that mind-body exercises have positive effects on improving anxiety and depression in older adults. Among the five different types of mind-body exercise interventions, Tai Chi was considered an effective approach for improving anxiety and depression. However, we encourage older adults to choose exercise modalities that suit their interests to enhance adherence.

Systematic review registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023464296.

Risperidone Decreases Expression of Serotonin Receptor-2A (5-HT2A) and Serotonin Transporter (SERT) but Not Dopamine Receptors and Dopamine Transporter (DAT) in PBMCs from Patients with Schizophrenia

Dopamine and serotonin receptors and transporters play an essential role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia; changes in their expression have been reported in neurons and leukocytes. Each antipsychotic induces a unique pattern in leukocyte function and phenotype. However, the use of polytherapy to treat schizophrenia makes it challenging to determine the specific effects of risperidone on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the expression of D3, D5, DAT, 5-HT2A, and SERT in PBMCs from healthy volunteers (HV), drug-naive patients with schizophrenia (PWS), drug-free PWS, and PWS treated with risperidone for up to 40 weeks using quantitative PCR. Our study revealed elevated mRNA levels of D3, DAT, 5-HT2A, and SERT in unmedicated PWS. Treatment with risperidone led to a reduction only in the expression of 5-HT2A and SERT. Furthermore, we observed a moderate correlation between 5-HT2A expression and the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), as well as SERT expression and PANSS scale. We also found a moderate correlation between 5-HT2A and SERT expression and the positive subscale. The duration of risperidone consumption had a significant negative correlation with the expression of 5-HT2A and SERT. Our study introduces the measurement of 5-HT2A and SERT expression in PBMCs as a useful parameter for assessing the response to risperidone in PWS.

The effect of mind-body exercise in lung cancer patients: a meta-analysis of RCTs

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mind-body exercise (yoga, tai chi, qigong, etc.) on lung cancer.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, CBM, WanFang Data, and VIP from their inception to 16 May 2023. The primary outcome was the 6-min walk test (6MWT), while the secondary outcomes were anxiety levels and quality of life (QoL). Two independent reviewers performed the data extraction using a predefined protocol and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool for randomized controlled trials, with differences agreed by consensus. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 15 software to analyze the extracted data.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included a total of 11 studies involving 897 patients. The results indicated that compared to the usual care group, lung cancer patients in the mind-body exercise group could increase the 6-min walk distance (5 studies, 346 participants, WMD: 18.83, 95% CI (7.55, 30.10) P = 0.001), reduce anxiety levels (4 studies, 362 participants, SMD: - 1.51, 95% CI (- 1.74, - 1.27), P < 0.05), and enhance the overall quality of life (6 studies, 594 participants, SMD: 0.71, 95% CI (0.10, 1.31), P = 0.02). The overall certainty of the evidence for all outcomes was low; seven studies were judged to be at low risk of bias, and four studies were judged to be at moderate risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

Mind-body exercise could improve exercise capacity in lung cancer survivors, reduce anxiety, and positively affect overall quality of life.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023426800.

The Influence of Exercise Intensity on Tryptophan Metabolites in Thoroughbred Horses

Catabolism of tryptophan (Trp) is modulated by physical activity and provides a pool of active compounds: Trp is considered a calmative agent, kynurenine (Kyn) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HKyn) show neurotoxic effects, kynurenic acid (Kyna) and xanthurenic acid (XA) have neuroprotective properties like nicotinamide (NAm), while serotonin is the neurotransmitter. The study was conducted to investigate the dependence of exercise intensity, measured by plasma lactic acid (LA) concentration, on the level of Trp, its catabolites (serotonin, Kyn, 3-HKyn, Kyna and XA), and NAm in Thoroughbred horses. A total of 18 young race Thoroughbred horses were investigated during exercise tests. Blood samples for analysis were collected: at rest, 10 min after the end of the exercise, and 60 min after the end of the exercise. Plasma LA was determined by the enzymatic method, Trp, and other metabolites using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In horses performing intense exercise, the concentration of LA, Kyn, XA and NAm was increased, while Trp was decreased. Significant correlations were detected for exercise-induced increase in LA and 3-HKyn, XA, and NAm. Considering the scope of changes in analyzed data, there is an expected neutral effect on the health status of exercised horses.

Effect of Physical Activity on Depression in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and approximately 50% of PD patients suffer from depression. We aim to determine the effects of physical activity on depression in PD patients and to provide scientific evidence-based exercise prescriptions for PD patients. A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo until February 2022 for randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies published in English. The primary outcome was a score on a depression scale. A total of 14 RCTs involving 516 patients with PD were included in this study. The results of the meta-analysis showed that physical activity had a moderate and significant improvement in depression in PD patients (SMD = −0.60; 95% CI = −0.79 to −0.41; p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis indicated that resistance exercise for 60−90 min more than 4 times per week for up to 12 weeks had a significant effect on PD patients who have had the disease for more than 5 years. Meta-regression showed that intervention type, intervention time, intervention frequency, intervention period, age, and disease duration were not sources of heterogeneity. Physical activity may reduce depression in PD patients. However, other larger sample sizes and high-quality studies are needed to validate these effects in the future.

Network Pharmacology Combined with Metabolomics Approach to Investigate the Toxicity Mechanism of Paclobutrazol

Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a commonly used plant growth regulator (PGR) with good antibacterial activity. It has widespread applications in agricultural production. However, there is limited research reported on the potential risks of human health resulting from PBZ residues. In this study, using Sprague-Dawley rats, we carried out a systematic study on the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of PBZ in different doses (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg). The metabolic profiles and network pharmacology were combined to construct a PBZ-endogenous substances-gene-hepatorenal diseases network to elucidate the underlying mechanism of PBZ's hepatorenal toxicity. At first, metabolomics analysis was done to investigate the metabolites and the related metabolic pathways associated with PBZ. Secondly, the network pharmacology approach was used in further exploration of the toxic targets. Additionally, molecular docking was carried out to investigate the interactions between PBZ and potential targets. The results indicated that PBZ showed obvious toxicity towards the liver and kidney of rats. The metabolomics analysis showed that PBZ mainly affected 4 metabolic pathways, including tryptophan metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and purine metabolism. Network pharmacology and molecular docking revealed that CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2E1, MAOA, PLA2G2A, PTGS1, and XDH were critical targets for PBZ hepatorenal toxicity. This preliminary study revealed PBZ's hepatorenal toxicity and provided a theoretical basis for the rational and safe use of PBZ. Furthermore, it provided possible intervention targets for further research on how to avoid or reduce the damage caused by pesticides to the human body.

Exercise Ameliorates Fluoride-induced Anxiety- and Depression-like Behavior in Mice: Role of GABA

Fluoride exposure caused anxiety- and depression-like behavior in mice. Meanwhile, exercise contributes to relieve anxiety and depression. However, the effects of exercise on anxiety- and depression-like behavior in fluorosis mice remain unclear. In the current study, thirty-six Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) female mice were randomly assigned to four groups: control group (C, gavage with distilled water); exercise group (E, gavage with distilled water and treadmill exercise (speed, 10 m/min; time, 30 min/day)); fluoride group (F, gavage with 24 mg/kg sodium fluoride (NaF)); and exercise plus fluoride group (EF, gavage with 24 mg/kg NaF and treadmill exercise). All treatments lasted for 8 weeks. A number of entries into and time spent in the open zone in the elevated zero maze (EZM), resting time in the tail suspension test (TST) and levels of serotonin (5-HT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), were significantly altered in F when compared to C. Meanwhile, the anxiety-like behavior in the EZM and the depression-like behavior in the TST were significantly improved in EF when compared to group F. Exercise significantly enhanced fluoride-induced low GABA level, with less effect on the concentration of 5-HT. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expressions of GABA synthesis and transport-related proteins of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65 and GAD67 and vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) were all strikingly decreased in F, while those in EF were increased. In conclusion, exercise ameliorates anxiety- and depression-like behavior in fluorosis mice through increasing the expressions of GABA synthesis and transport-related proteins, rather than 5-HT system.

The mechanism of intestinal flora dysregulation mediated by intestinal bacterial biofilm to induce constipation

To explore mechanism of intestinal flora dysregulation promoting constipation, 60 specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice were used as research objects and were treated with constipation population fecal fluid gavage and distilled water gavage. Then, relationship between intestinal dysregulation and constipation in mice with biofilm-mediated intestinal flora was investigated in vitro. The results showed that recombinant serotonin transporter (SERT) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level of the constipation population fecal fluid gavage group and the relative expression level of SERT mRNA were 1.61 ± 0.08 and 1.49 ± 0.06, which were higher markedly than those of distilled water group (P < 0.05). The level of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in colonic tissue of the constipation population fecal fluid gavage group was 145.36 ± 14.12 ng/mL, and the expression level of 5-HT on the surface of epithelial cells of biofilm-positive colonic tissue was 20.11 ± 2.03, which were significantly lower than those of the distilled water group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Besides, the microbial sequencing of fecal flora indicated that The Akk and bacteroidetes ofconstipation population fecal fluid gavage group were higher hugely than those of distilled water group (P < 0.05).In conclusion, after the occurrence of constipation, the diversity of intestinal microflora decreased, and the probiotics reduced. Iintestinal microflora dysregulation would lead to increase of SERT expression level in defecation function and intestinal motility in mice, and the decrease of 5-HT, thereby changing the intestinal movement resulting in mucosal protective barrier damage,thereby causing changes in intestinal movement and the destruction of the intestinal mucosal protective barrier, which eventually resulted in constipation. The occurrence of constipation could be improved by regulating balance of intestinal flora, increasing the diversity of flora, and reducing the genus of opportunistic pathogens.

Physical Exercise Affects Serotoninergic System in Horse Leukocytes

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) may induce metabolic effects in different cell types, including leukocytes. In horses, 5-HT is involved in physiological and behavioral functions. Physical exercise is known to increase the amounts of 5-HT both in brain and periphery, but so far, the signal mechanism in response to exercise is not known. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a racehorse intensive training session on plasma 5-HT levels, serotonin transporter (SERT), 5HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, 5-HT_1B, 5-HT₇ receptor, interleukin-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in horse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In particular, the research was carried out on 12 trained horses performing daily training. Plasma 5-HT levels were analyzed in platelet-poor plasma fraction by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at T0, T1, and T2 (pretraining, 30 minutes post-training, and 2 hours post-training session), respectively. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated to perform real-time polymerase chain reaction for the evaluation of SERT, 5-HT receptor, and cytokine mRNA levels. The results showed significantly increased levels of plasma 5-HT, 5HT_1A, and 5-HT_2A and significantly decreased levels of SERT, 5-HT_1B, 5-HT₇, and both cytokine mRNAs in PBMC at T1, compared with T0 and T2. The results were confirmed by in vitro experiment. Training may induce a lower degree of 5-HT storage and, therefore, a higher plasma 5-HT concentrations. Leukocyte 5-HT receptor mRNAs seem strongly influenced by the exercise. Observed changes suggest a transient neuroendocrinological response to the exercise. A better understanding of the influence of physical exercise on serotoninergic system could have potential application for the implementation of training protocols in racing horses.

Mind-Body Exercise for Anxiety and Depression in COPD Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: Mind–body exercise has been generally recognized as a beneficial strategy to improve mental health in those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, to date, no attempt has been made to collate this literature. The aim of the present study was to systematically analyze the effects of mind–body exercise for COPD patients with anxiety and depression and provide scientific evidence-based exercise prescription. Methods: both Chinese and English databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Baidu Scholar) were used as sources of data to search randomized controlled trials (RCT) relating to mind–body exercise in COPD patients with anxiety and depression that were published between January 1982 to June 2019. 13 eligible RCT studies were finally used for meta-analysis. Results: Mind–body exercise (tai chi, health qigong, yoga) had significant benefits on COPD patients with anxiety (SMD = −0.76, 95% CI −0.91 to −0.60, p = 0.04, I² = 47.4%) and depression (SMD = −0.86, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.58, p = 0.000, I² = 71.4%). Sub-group analysis indicated that, for anxiety, 30–60 min exercise session for 24 weeks of health qigong or yoga had a significant effect on patients with COPD who are more than 70 years and have more than a 10-year disease course. For depression, 2–3 times a week, 30–60 min each time of health qigong had a significant effect on patients with COPD patients who are more than 70 years old and have less than a 10-year disease course. Conclusions: Mind–body exercise could reduce levels of anxiety and depression in those with COPD. More robust RCT are required on this topic.

The Influence of Training and Simulated Race on Horse Plasma Serotonin Levels

Exercise represents a physical stress that challenges homeostasis affecting central and peripheral serotoninergic systems. The influence of the exercise on circulating serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) levels depends on training state as well as the exercise protocol. The purpose of the present research was to determine changes of plasma 5-HT in sport horses in response to training (T) and simulated race (SR) and in addition to assess the possible presence of significant differences on circulating 5-HT between two different sessions of exercise. In particular, the research was carried out on 18 trained horses performing daily training and race activity. Plasma 5-HT levels were analyzed in platelet poor plasma fraction by ELISA assay at T0 (before exercise), T1 (30 minutes after exercise) and T2 (2 hours after exercise). The hypothesis was that both exercise sessions could affect plasma 5-HT levels. Results showed a significant increase of plasma 5-HT levels at T1, compared with T0, both after simulated race and training activity. These effects are probably related to an increased 5-HT release from platelets and/or an increased peripheral 5-HT synthesis induced from exercise. At T2, plasma 5-HT concentrations showed a significant decrease to physiological levels in both sessions. Moreover, plasma 5-HT levels at T1 (SR) were significantly higher than those at T1 (T). Targeting peripheral 5-HT could be useful to assess the physiological adaptability of horses to the exercise, together with other selection techniques of sport horses.