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Su WJ, Hu T, Jiang CL. Cool the Inflamed Brain: A Novel Anti-inflammatory Strategy for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:810-842. [PMID: 37559243 PMCID: PMC10845090 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230809112028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abundant evidence suggests that inflammatory cytokines contribute to the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) by altering neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and neuroendocrine processes. Given the unsatisfactory response and remission of monoaminergic antidepressants, anti-inflammatory therapy is proposed as a feasible way to augment the antidepressant effect. Recently, there have been emerging studies investigating the efficiency and efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of MDD and depressive symptoms comorbid with somatic diseases. METHODS In this narrative review, prospective clinical trials focusing on anti-inflammatory treatment for depression have been comprehensively searched and screened. Based on the included studies, we summarize the rationale for the anti-inflammatory therapy of depression and discuss the utilities and confusions regarding the anti-inflammatory strategy for MDD. RESULTS This review included over 45 eligible trials. For ease of discussion, we have grouped them into six categories based on their mechanism of action, and added some other anti-inflammatory modalities, including Chinese herbal medicine and non-drug therapy. Pooled results suggest that anti-inflammatory therapy is effective in improving depressive symptoms, whether used as monotherapy or add-on therapy. However, there remain confusions in the application of anti-inflammatory therapy for MDD. CONCLUSION Based on current clinical evidence, anti-inflammatory therapy is a promisingly effective treatment for depression. This study proposes a novel strategy for clinical diagnosis, disease classification, personalized treatment, and prognostic prediction of depression. Inflammatory biomarkers are recommended to be assessed at the first admission of MDD patients, and anti-inflammatory therapy are recommended to be included in the clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Those patients with high levels of baseline inflammation (e.g., CRP > 3 mg/L) may benefit from adjunctive anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Su
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ting Hu
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chun-Lei Jiang
- Department of Stress Medicine, Faculty of Psychology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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Nohesara S, Abdolmaleky HM, Zhou JR, Thiagalingam S. Microbiota-Induced Epigenetic Alterations in Depressive Disorders Are Targets for Nutritional and Probiotic Therapies. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2217. [PMID: 38137038 PMCID: PMC10742434 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex disorder and a leading cause of disability in 280 million people worldwide. Many environmental factors, such as microbes, drugs, and diet, are involved in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms of depression are complex and include the interaction of genetics with epigenetics and the host immune system. Modifications of the gut microbiome and its metabolites influence stress-related responses and social behavior in patients with depressive disorders by modulating the maturation of immune cells and neurogenesis in the brain mediated by epigenetic modifications. Here, we discuss the potential roles of a leaky gut in the development of depressive disorders via changes in gut microbiota-derived metabolites with epigenetic effects. Next, we will deliberate how altering the gut microbiome composition contributes to the development of depressive disorders via epigenetic alterations. In particular, we focus on how microbiota-derived metabolites such as butyrate as an epigenetic modifier, probiotics, maternal diet, polyphenols, drugs (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antibiotics), and fecal microbiota transplantation could positively alleviate depressive-like behaviors by modulating the epigenetic landscape. Finally, we will discuss challenges associated with recent therapeutic approaches for depressive disorders via microbiome-related epigenetic shifts, as well as opportunities to tackle such problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Nohesara
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky
- Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boson, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Jin-Rong Zhou
- Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boson, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Zhou C, Chen Y, Xue S, Shi Q, Guo L, Yu H, Xue F, Cai M, Wang H, Peng Z. rTMS ameliorates depressive-like behaviors and regulates the gut microbiome and medium- and long-chain fatty acids in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:3549-3566. [PMID: 37269082 PMCID: PMC10580350 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a clinically useful therapy for depression. However, the effects of rTMS on the metabolism of fatty acids (FAs) and the composition of gut microbiota in depression are not well established. METHODS Mice received rTMS (15 Hz, 1.26 T) for seven consecutive days after exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The subsequent depressive-like behaviors, the composition of gut microbiota of stool samples, as well as medium- and long-chain fatty acids (MLCFAs) in the plasma, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and hippocampus (HPC) were evaluated. RESULTS CUMS induced remarkable changes in gut microbiotas and fatty acids, specifically in community diversity of gut microbiotas and PUFAs in the brain. 15 Hz rTMS treatment alleviates depressive-like behaviors and partially normalized CUMS induced alterations of microbiotas and MLCFAs, especially the abundance of Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the hippocampus and PFC. CONCLUSION These findings revealed that the modulation of gut microbiotas and PUFAs metabolism might partly contribute to the antidepressant effect of rTMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui‐Hong Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yi‐Huan Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Shan‐Shan Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Qing‐Qing Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of PsychiatryChang'an HospitalXi'anChina
| | - Huan Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Fen Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Min Cai
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Hua‐Ning Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Zheng‐Wu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing HospitalAir Force Medical UniversityXi'anChina
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Widjaja F, Rietjens IMCM. From-Toilet-to-Freezer: A Review on Requirements for an Automatic Protocol to Collect and Store Human Fecal Samples for Research Purposes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2658. [PMID: 37893032 PMCID: PMC10603957 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The composition, viability and metabolic functionality of intestinal microbiota play an important role in human health and disease. Studies on intestinal microbiota are often based on fecal samples, because these can be sampled in a non-invasive way, although procedures for sampling, processing and storage vary. This review presents factors to consider when developing an automated protocol for sampling, processing and storing fecal samples: donor inclusion criteria, urine-feces separation in smart toilets, homogenization, aliquoting, usage or type of buffer to dissolve and store fecal material, temperature and time for processing and storage and quality control. The lack of standardization and low-throughput of state-of-the-art fecal collection procedures promote a more automated protocol. Based on this review, an automated protocol is proposed. Fecal samples should be collected and immediately processed under anaerobic conditions at either room temperature (RT) for a maximum of 4 h or at 4 °C for no more than 24 h. Upon homogenization, preferably in the absence of added solvent to allow addition of a buffer of choice at a later stage, aliquots obtained should be stored at either -20 °C for up to a few months or -80 °C for a longer period-up to 2 years. Protocols for quality control should characterize microbial composition and viability as well as metabolic functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Widjaja
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands;
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Herselman MF, Bobrovskaya L. The Effects of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress and Semi-Pure Diets on the Brain, Gut and Adrenal Medulla in C57BL6 Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14618. [PMID: 37834073 PMCID: PMC10572190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is known to perturb serotonergic regulation in the brain, leading to mood, learning and memory impairments and increasing the risk of developing mood disorders. The influence of the gut microbiota on serotonergic regulation in the brain has received increased attention recently, justifying the investigation of the role of diet on the gut and the brain in mood disorders. Here, using a 4-week chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model in mice, we aimed to investigate the effects of a high-fat high-glycaemic index (HFD) and high-fibre fruit & vegetable "superfood" (SUP) modifications of a semi-pure AIN93M diet on behaviour, serotonin synthesis and metabolism pathway regulation in the brain and the gut, as well as the gut microbiota and the peripheral adrenal medullary system. CUMS induced anxiety-like behaviour, dysregulated the tryptophan and serotonin metabolic pathways in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and colon, and altered the composition of the gut microbiota. CUMS reduced the catecholamine synthetic capacity of the adrenal glands. Differential effects were found in these parameters in the HFD and SUP diet. Thus, dietary modifications may profoundly affect the multiple dynamic systems involved in mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Larisa Bobrovskaya
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
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Majumdar A, Siva Venkatesh IP, Basu A. Short-Chain Fatty Acids in the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Role in Neurodegenerative Disorders and Viral Infections. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1045-1062. [PMID: 36868874 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut-brain axis (GBA) is the umbrella term to include all bidirectional communication between the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) tract in the mammalian body. Evidence from over two centuries describes a significant role of GI microbiome in health and disease states of the host organism. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), mainly acetate, butyrate, and propionate that are the physiological forms of acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid respectively, are GI bacteria derived metabolites. SCFAs have been reported to influence cellular function in multiple neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). In addition, the inflammation modulating properties of SCFAs make them suitable therapeutic candidates in neuroinflammatory conditions. This review provides a historical background of the GBA and current knowledge of the GI microbiome and role of individual SCFAs in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Recently, a few reports have also identified the effects of GI metabolites in the case of viral infections. Among these viruses, the flaviviridae family is associated with neuroinflammation and deterioration of CNS functions. In this context, we additionally introduce SCFA based mechanisms in different viral pathogenesis to understand the former's potential as agents against flaviviral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atreye Majumdar
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Haryana 122052, India
| | | | - Anirban Basu
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Haryana 122052, India
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Xu F, Xie Q, Kuang W, Dong Z. Interactions Between Antidepressants and Intestinal Microbiota. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:359-371. [PMID: 36881351 PMCID: PMC10121977 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01362-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiota-gut-brain axis has been shown to influence human health and diseases, including depression. The interactions between drugs and intestinal microbiota are complex and highly relevant to treat diseases. Studies have shown an interaction between antidepressants and intestinal microbiota. Antidepressants may alter the abundance and composition of intestinal microbiota, which are closely related to the treatment outcomes of depression. Intestinal microbiota can influence the metabolism of antidepressants to change their availability (e.g., tryptophan can be metabolized to kynurenine by intestinal microbiota) and regulate their absorption by affecting intestinal permeability. In addition, the permeability of the blood-brain barrier can be altered by intestinal microbiota, influencing antidepressants to reach the central nervous system. Bioaccumulation is also a type of drug-microbiota interaction, which means bacteria accumulate drugs without biotransformation. These findings imply that it is important to consider intestinal microbiota when evaluating antidepressant therapy regimens and that intestinal microbiota can be a potential target for depression treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyu Xu
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qinglian Xie
- Department of Outpatient, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Weihong Kuang
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Psychiatry and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zaiquan Dong
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Psychiatry and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Dong Z, Xie Q, Xu F, Shen X, Hao Y, Li J, Xu H, Peng Q, Kuang W. Neferine alleviates chronic stress-induced depression by regulating monoamine neurotransmitter secretion and gut microbiota structure. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:974949. [PMID: 36120376 PMCID: PMC9479079 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.974949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neferine (Nef) might possess anti-depressive properties; however, its therapeutic effects are yet to be elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the anti-depressant property of Nef using a mouse model of chronic stress-induced depression. Fifteen depression-prone mice were randomly selected and divided into three groups, namely, the model, Nef, and fluoxetine (Flu) groups. We observed that in tail suspension and forced swimming tests, the Nef and Flu treatments significantly decreased the immobility time of the depressed mice, and increased their sucrose preference indices. Moreover, both Nef and Flu treatments induced significant increases in the levels of anti-depressant neurotransmitters, including dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE), and also reduced pathological damage to the hippocampus of the depressed mice. Incidentally, Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis demonstrated that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the intestinal microbiota of depressed mice was restored after Nef/Flu treatment. Moreover, colonic Lactobacillus abundance was positively correlated with the levels of DA, 5-HT, and NE in the hippocampus of the mice. In conclusion, Nef improved monoamine neurotransmitter secretion and modulated the intestinal flora structure, particularly the abundance of Lactobacillus. Hence, it showed considerable anti-depressant potential, and might be a prospective anti-depressant therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaiquan Dong
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Psychiatry and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinglian Xie
- Department of Outpatient, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feiyu Xu
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoling Shen
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanni Hao
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Li
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haizhen Xu
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Peng, ; Weihong Kuang,
| | - Weihong Kuang
- Mental Health Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Psychiatry and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Peng, ; Weihong Kuang,
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