Chronic Stress Induces Hippocampal Mitochondrial Damage in APPPS1 Model Mice and Wildtype Littermates

Xiao Yao San mitigates corticosterone stimulation-induced hippocampal neuronal damage by inhibiting GR phosphorylation and nuclear translocation via FKBP4 involvement

BACKGROUND

Corticosterone stimulation has profound physiological and neurological effects on individuals, necessitating effective interventions to mitigate its impact. Current therapeutic approaches for corticosterone stimulation injury have limitations, including addiction and tolerance issues. In contrast, historical formulations such as Xiao Yao San, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, have shown promise in addressing changes in corticosterone stimulation-related neuroplasticity. This study aimed to explore the potential of Xiao Yao San in modulating the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling pathway and its downstream effects on hippocampal neuroplasticity under corticosterone stimulation conditions.

METHODS

Primary hippocampal neurons were cultured and exposed to corticosterone to establish a corticosterone stimulation model. Cellular viability, apoptosis, and protein expression were assessed via CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting, respectively. Interactions between FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP51), GR, and p-GR were analyzed via coimmunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays. The influence of FKBP4 on the competitive binding of GR was explored via similar techniques. The functional consequences of gene knockdown and overexpression were evaluated through cellular assays.

RESULTS

Xiao Yao San attenuated corticosterone-induced reductions in cell viability and apoptosis, counteracting the detrimental effects of corticosterone stimulation. It downregulated FKBP51 expression and suppressed GR phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Additionally, it hindered the interaction between FKBP51 and GR/p-GR. FKBP4 overexpression rescued hippocampal neuron viability and protected against the GR phosphorylation and nuclear translocation induced by corticosterone.

CONCLUSION

Xiao Yao San exhibited promising effects in ameliorating changes in corticosterone stimulation-induced neuroplasticity through the modulation of the GR signaling pathway. By inhibiting FKBP51-mediated GR phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, Xiao Yao San has potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for corticosterone stimulation-related conditions. Further clinical investigations and mechanistic studies are warranted to validate its therapeutic efficacy and elucidate its mechanisms of action.

Alterations in NFAT5 and ATP6V1E1 expression as potential diagnostic biomarkers in blood and brain for Alzheimer's disease: A study of gene overlap

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a prevalent cause of dementia, is characterized by amyloid plaques and tau tangles. It requires early diagnosis through the use of blood markers. This study examined changes in gene expression in blood and brain samples from patients with AD as potential diagnostic biomarkers.

METHODS

The study utilized gene expression data from publicly available studies, including GSE4757, GSE5281, GSE28146, GSE48350, and GSE63060, to investigate expression changes in AD. Data integration and differential expression analysis were performed, and pathways related to candidate genes were identified using the Enrichr and BioPlents databases. Blood samples from 50 AD and controls were collected, followed by RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and qRT-PCR analysis using specific NFAT5 and ATP6V1E1 gene primers.

RESULTS

We found 394 genes with increased expression and 759 with decreased expression in brain tissue. Upregulated genes were linked to TGF-B, BDNF, apoptosis, Hippo, P53, and IL-2 and IL-4 pathways. In contrast, downregulated genes were associated with pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation, PGC1-A, GABA, Alzheimer's, and calcium. Blood expression data showed 1147 probes with increased expression and 1413 with significant decreases. We found 31 genes that were upregulated and 87 genes that were downregulated, consistent across both blood and brain samples. Among the overlapping genes, RT-qPCR results indicated that the expression levels of NFAT5 and ATP6V1E1 may have diagnostic potential in the blood samples of Alzheimer's patients.

CONCLUSION

The study identified changes in gene expression related to Alzheimer's in blood and brain samples. These changes affect pathways such as IL-2 and oxidative phosphorylation. Both in silico and ex vivo results revealed that the expression levels of NFAT5 and ATP6V1E1 in blood samples can serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for Alzheimer's patients.

The Brain-Gut-Bone Axis in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Neurodegenerative diseases are global health challenges characterized by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells, leading to cognitive and motor impairments. The brain-gut-bone axis, a complex network that modulates multiple physiological systems, has gained increasing attention owing to its profound effects on the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases. No comprehensive review has been conducted to clarify the triangular relationship involving the brain-gut-bone axis and its potential for innovative therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. In light of this, a new perspective is aimed to propose on the interplay between the brain, gut, and bone systems, highlighting the potential of their dynamic communication in neurodegenerative diseases, as they modulate multiple physiological systems, including the nervous, immune, endocrine, and metabolic systems. Therapeutic strategies for maintaining the balance of the axis, including brain health regulation, intestinal microbiota regulation, and improving skeletal health, are also explored. The intricate physiological interactions within the brain-gut-bone axis pose a challenge in the development of effective treatments that can comprehensively target this system. Furthermore, the safety of these treatments requires further evaluation. This review offers a novel insights and strategies for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, which have important implications for clinical practice and patient well-being.

Structural Alteration of Gut Microbiota During the Amelioration of Chronic Psychological Stress-Aggravated Diabetes-Associated Cognitive Decline by a Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula, ZiBu PiYin Recipe

BACKGROUND

Chronic psychological stress (PS) hinders the treatment of diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DACD). However, the impact of chronic PS on the risk of developing DACD remains unclear. There is growing evidence that gut flora interventions are promising targets for treating stress-related diseases.

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether chronic PS triggers or exacerbates the onset of DACD in rats and aimed to elucidate whether ZiBuPiYin recipe (ZBPYR) prevents and treats chronic PS-aggravated DACD by dynamically maintaining the components of the gut microbiota.

METHODS

We performed chronic PS (restraint, rotation, and congestion) on ZDF rats to establish a model. Cognitive function was evaluated by behavioral experiments, and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was detected by ELISA. Weekly feces from rats were collected for 16 S RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

We found that chronic PS promoted cognitive abnormalities and exacerbated DACD phenotypes. Additionally, chronic PS altered intestinal flora diversity, dynamically elevating the abundance of Alistipes and Coprococcus; enriching Module 1 (Dorea, Blautia, Ruminococcus) and Module 48 (Blautia); and inhibiting Module 20 (Lactobacillus, SMB53), and Module 42 (Akkermansia). ZBPYR significantly alleviated hyperglycemia and cognitive impairment in chronic PS-aggravated DACD rats and dynamically reduced the abundance of Alistipes and Coprococcus; significantly enriched Module 3 (Ruminococcus) and Module 45 (Lactobacillus, Coprococcus, SMB53); and suppressed Module 2 (Lactobacillus), Module 16 (Turicibacter, Trichococcus, Lactobacillus, 02d06, Clostridium), Module 23 (Bifidobacterium), and Module 43 (Clostridium).

CONCLUSION

ZBPYR might prevent and treat chronic PS-aggravated DACD by dynamically regulating Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Coprococcus.