Therapeutic Effects of a Novel Form of Biotin on Propionic Acid-Induced Autistic Features in Rats

Understanding the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Acupuncture: Targeting Hippocampal Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress, Neuroplasticity, and Apoptosis in CUMS Rats

Depression is recognized globally as one of the most intractable diseases, and its complexity and diversity make treatment extremely challenging. Acupuncture has demonstrated beneficial effects in various psychiatric disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture's antidepressant action, particularly in depression, remain elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of acupuncture on chronic unpredictability stress (CUMS)-induced depressive symptoms in rats and to further elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. All rats were exposed to CUMS of two stressors every day for 28 days, except for the control group. One hour before CUMS, rats were given a treatment with acupuncture, electroacupuncture, sham-acupuncture, or fluoxetine (2.1 mg/kg). Behavioral tests and biological detection methods were conducted in sequence to evaluate depression-like phenotype in rats. The findings of this study demonstrate that acupuncture therapy effectively ameliorated depression-like behavior induced by CUMS in rats. Additionally, acupuncture exerted a restorative effect on the alterations induced by CUMS in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), postsynaptic density95 (PSD95), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and acetylcholine (ACh). Additionally, our findings indicate that acupuncture also modulates the ERK and Caspase-3 apoptotic pathways in the hippocampus of CUMS rats. This study suggests that acupuncture may play a potential preventive role by regulating hippocampal neuroinflammatory response, levels of oxidative stress, apoptotic processes, and enhancing synaptic plasticity.

Impact of GABA and nutritional supplements on neurochemical biomarkers in autism: a PPA rodent model study

Background/objectives

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with excitatory-inhibitory imbalance and oxidative stress. GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and related nutritional therapies are promising in restoring these imbalances. GABAergic deficits and glutamate excitotoxicity are two essential signaling pathways that could be addressed to treat autism, thus medications targeting these pathways are critical for treating behavioral symptoms. In a rat model of autism produced by propionic acid (PPA), this study assessed the effects of GABA supplementation and combined nutritional therapy (probiotics, vitamin D3) and β-lactam as an activator of glutamate transporter.

Methods

Sixty rats were randomly assigned into six groups: Group I (Control), Group II (PPA-treated), Group III (Control-GABA), Group IV (Control-Combination), Group V (PPA-GABA), and Group VI (PPA-Combination). Social behavior was evaluated using the three-chamber test. Selected biochemical variables related to oxidative stress (GST, Catalase, Lipid peroxides, GSH and Vitamin C), GABA and glutamate signaling (EAAT2, KCC2, NKCC1, GABA, VD3, Glutamate and GABRA5) were measured in the brain homogenates of the six groups. The hippocampus was examined histopathologically to assess cellular integrity.

Results

The obtained data revealed that PPA treatment caused significant oxidative stress and neurotransmitter imbalances, characterized by reduced GABA and elevated glutamate levels. GABA supplementation alone produced moderate benefits in biochemical and behavioral markers, but combined therapy considerably restored GABA levels, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced social interaction behaviors. Histopathology revealed that combination therapy mitigated neurodegenerative changes induced by PPA, preserving hippocampal cellular structure.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that combined therapy (GABA, probiotics, vitamin D3, and β-lactam) were more effective than GABA alone in enhancing neurochemical balance and lowering oxidative stress in a PPA-induced mouse model of autism, indicating promise for treating symptoms.

Efficacy of sialic acid supplementation in early life in autism model rats

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions, the etiology of which remains elusive. Sialic acid (SA) is an essential nutrient for nervous system development, and previous studies reported that the levels of SA were decreased in the blood and saliva of ASD children. However, it is not clear whether SA supplementation can alleviate behavioral problems in autism. We administered SA intervention in the VPA-induced autism model rats, evaluated behavior performance, and measured the levels of Gne and St8sia2 genes, BDNF and anti-GM1. At the same time, untargeted metabolomics was used to characterize the metabolites. It was found that the stereotypical behaviors, social preference and cognitive function were improved after SA supplementation. Additionally, the number of hippocampal neurons was increased, and the shape was normalized. Moreover, 94 differentially abundant metabolites were identified between the high dose SA and VPA groups. These changes in metabolites were correlated with pyrimidine metabolism, lysine degradation metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, mineral absorption, protein digestion and absorption, galactose metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism. In conclusion, SA could ameliorate ASD-like phenotypes and change metabolites in autistic animals, which suggests that it may be a therapeutic approach for ASD.

Structural characteristics of polysaccharide isolated from Potentilla anserina L. and its mitigating effect on Zearalenone-induced oxidative stress in Sertoli cells

The present study aims to characterize the structural features of a natural polysaccharide called PAP-1b extracted from the roots of Potentilla anserina L. and to evaluate its antioxidant activity. Structural characterization indicated that PAP-1b with a molecular weight of 1.22 × 104 Da was primarily composed of glucose and galactose. Methylation and NMR analyses showed that PAP-1b mainly consisted of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,4)-α-Glcp-(1→ and α-D-Glcp-(1→). Subsequently, we evaluated the antioxidant activity of PAP-1b using zearalenone (ZEA)-induced oxidative stress in porcine Sertoli cells (SCs) as a model. Cellular experiments revealed that PAP-1b significantly attenuated ZEA-induced oxidative stress in SCs via the mitochondrial pathway, as evidenced by the increase in cell viability, the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities, and the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as stabilization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the reduction of apoptosis rate. These results suggest that Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharides can serve as a promising natural antioxidant for applications in the field of functional foods.

Biotin Mitigates Alcohol Withdrawal-Induced Anxiety and Depression by Regulating Serotonin Metabolism, BDNF, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Rats

INTRODUCTION

Substance use disorders, particularly alcohol use disorders, represent a significant public health problem, with adolescents particularly vulnerable to their adverse effects. This study examined the possible anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of biotin, a crucial vitamin for brain function, in attenuating the behavioral and neurobiological changes associated with alcohol withdrawal in adolescent rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a 20% ethanol solution for 21 days, followed by a 21-day drug-free period to assess long-term behavioral and physiological changes. Behavioral assessments included the Open Field Test, Elevated Plus Maze, and Forced Swimming Test, administered post-withdrawal to evaluate anxiety and depression behaviors. Additionally, biochemical analyses were performed to measure serotonin levels, monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) activity, and BDNF concentrations.

RESULTS

The results indicate that ethanol withdrawal significantly induced anxiety- and depression-like behavior in the rats. However, treatment with biotin, particularly at higher doses, effectively attenuated these withdrawal-related behavioral changes. Mechanistically, biotin administration was found to regulate serotonin levels, monoamine oxidase activity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and alleviate oxidative stress markers in cortical tissue.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study suggest that biotin may have therapeutic potential for alleviating the negative effects of alcohol withdrawal, particularly those related to anxiety and depression. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and examine the clinical effects of biotin supplementation for individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal.

Effects of Boron on Learning and Behavioral Disorders in Rat Autism Model Induced by Intracerebroventricular Propionic Acid

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which learning, communication, and social interaction are impaired. Research has sought to minimize the neural impairments associated with autism spectrum disorder and improve the quality of life. Recent studies suggest that boron may benefit nerve cells, with effects varying depending on the dosage. This study explored the impact of boron, administered as boric acid, on behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in a rat model of autism induced by propionic acid (PPA). Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, autism model, and boron-treated groups. Behavioral tests were conducted pre- and post-PPA induction, with brain tissue analyzed post-euthanasia. Proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6)) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were assessed in the hippocampus. Histopathological evaluations were conducted on the hippocampus and cerebellum. Autism model rats displayed impaired learning, elevated BDNF and cytokine levels, microglial and astrocytic activation, and decreased Purkinje cell count. The boron-treated groups showed improvements, particularly with the 4 mg/kg dose. This dose enhanced learning and social interaction, reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels, prevented microglial and astrocytic activation, and increased Purkinje cell count. Boron treatment exhibited neuroprotective potential, ameliorating autism spectrum disorder deficits by modulating cytokines, BDNF, microglia, and astrocytes, with low doses yielding pronounced effects.

The impact of magnesium biotinate and arginine silicate complexes on metabolic dysfunctions, antioxidant activity, inflammation, and neuromodulation in high-fat diet-fed rats

Biotin and arginine play crucial roles in lipid metabolism and may offer promising interventions against obesity. This study examined the combined effect of magnesium biotinate (MgB) and inositol-stabilized arginine silicate complex (ASI) on obesity-related oxidative imbalance, inflammation, lipid metabolism and neuromodulation in rats on a high-fat diet (HFD). Forty rats were divided into five groups: (a) control: rats were fed a standard diet containing 12% of energy from fat; (b) HFD: rats were fed the HFD with 42% of energy from fat; (c) HFD + MgB: rats were fed the HFD and given 0.31 mg/kg body weight (BW) MgB, (d) HFD + ASI: rats were fed the HFD and were given 12.91 mg/kg BW ASI), and (e) HFD + MgB + ASI: rats were fed the HFD and given 0.31 mg/kg BW MgB and 12.91 mg/kg BW ASI). The combined administration of MgB and ASI reduced the levels of serum cholesterol, free fatty acid (FFA), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as liver inflammatory cytokines, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1-c (SREBP-1c), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) proteins (P < 0.001) compared to HFD rats without supplementation. Moreover, this combination increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.05) and boosted the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin, dopamine (P < 0.001), as well as liver insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that combining MgB and ASI could deter liver fat accumulation and enhance lipid metabolism in HFD-fed rats by modulating various metabolic pathways and neuromodulators related to energy metabolism. This combination demonstrates potential in addressing obesity and its related metabolic dysfunctions.

Molecular Mechanisms of Biotin in Modulating Inflammatory Diseases

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin and serves as an essential co-enzyme for five specific carboxylases. Holocarboxylase synthase (HCS) activates biotin and facilitates its covalent attachment to these enzymes, while biotinidase releases free biotin in the biotin cycle. The transport of biotin, primarily from the intestine, is mediated by the sodium-dependent multi-vitamin transporter (SMVT). Severe biotin deficiency leads to multiple carboxylase deficiency. Moreover, biotin is crucial to glucose and lipid utilization in cellular energy production because it modulates the expression of metabolic enzymes via various signaling pathways and transcription factors. Biotin also modulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the immune system through similar molecular mechanisms. These regulatory roles in metabolic and immune homeostasis connect biotin to conditions such as diabetes, dermatologic manifestations, and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, deficiencies in biotin and SMVT are implicated in inflammatory bowel disease, affecting intestinal inflammation, permeability, and flora. Notably, HCS and probably biotin directly influence gene expression through histone modification. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the molecular aspects of biotin and associated molecules in diseases related to both acute inflammatory responses and chronic inflammation, and discuss the potential therapeutic applications of biotin.

Lotusine ameliorates propionic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder-like behavior in mice by activating D1 dopamine receptor in medial prefrontal cortex

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neuropsychiatric condition for which effective drug therapy for core clinical symptoms remains elusive. Lotusine, known for its neuroprotective properties in the treatment of neurological disorders, holds potential in addressing ASD. Nevertheless, its specific efficacy in ASD remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of lotusine in ASD and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We induced an ASD mouse model through intracerebroventricular-propionic acid (ICV-PPA) injection for 7 days, followed by lotusine administration for 5 days. The efficacy of lotusine was evaluated through a battery of behavioral tests, including the three-chamber social test. The underlying mechanisms of lotusine action in ameliorating ASD-like behavior were investigated in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, molecular docking, and cellular thermal shift assay. The efficacy and mechanisms of lotusine were further validated in vitro. Lotusine effectively alleviated social deficits induced by ICV-PPA injection in mice by counteracting the reduction in miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency within the mPFC. Moreover, lotusine enhanced neuronal activity and ameliorated α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor dysfunction in ICV-PPA infusion mice by upregulating c-fos, p-GluA1 Ser 845, and p-GluA1 Ser 831 protein levels within the mPFC. Our findings also suggest that lotusine may exert its effects through modulation of the D1 dopamine receptor (DRD1). Furthermore, the rescuing effects of lotusine were nullified by a DRD1 antagonist in PC12 cells. In summary, our results revealed that lotusine ameliorates ASD-like behavior through targeted modulation of DRD1, ultimately enhancing excitatory synaptic transmission. These findings highlight the potential of lotusine as a nutritional supplement in the treatment of ASD.

Advances in the study of IL-17 in neurological diseases and mental disorders

Interleukin-17 (IL-17), a cytokine characteristically secreted by T helper 17 (Th17) cells, has attracted increasing attention in recent years because of its importance in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune or chronic inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have shown that neurological diseases and mental disorders are closely related to immune function, and varying degrees of immune dysregulation may disrupt normal expression of immune molecules at critical stages of neural development. Starting from relevant mechanisms affecting immune regulation, this article reviews the research progress of IL-17 in a selected group of neurological diseases and mental disorders (autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and depression) from the perspective of neuroinflammation and the microbiota-gut-brain axis, summarizes the commonalities, and provides a prospective outlook of target application in disease treatment.

Inhalation of Cananga odorata essential oil relieves anxiety behaviors in autism-like rats via regulation of serotonin and dopamine metabolism

OBJECTIVE

Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms associated with autistic spectrum disorder. The essential oil of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thomson, usually known as ylang-ylang oil (YYO), is often used in aromatherapy as a mood-regulating agent, sedative, or hypotensive agent. In the present study, the effects and mechanisms of YYO in alleviating anxiety, social and cognitive behaviors in autism-like rats were investigated.

METHODS

The prenatal valproic acid (VPA) model was used to induce autism-like behaviors in offspring rats. The effectiveness of prenatal sodium valproate treatment (600 mg/kg) on offspring was shown by postnatal growth observation, and negative geotaxis, olfactory discrimination and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Then three treatment groups were formed with varying exposure to atomized YYO to explore the effects of YYO on the anxiety, social and cognitive behaviors of the autistic-like offspring through the elevated plus-maze test, three-chamber social test, and MWM test. Finally, the monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and their metabolites, in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the rats were measured using a high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Offspring of VPA exposure rats showed autism-like behaviors. In the VPA offspring, medium-dose YYO exposure significantly elevated the time and entries into the open arms in the elevated plus-maze test, while low-dose YYO exposure significantly enhanced the social interaction time with the stranger rat in session 1 of the three-chamber social test. VPA offspring treated with YYO exposure used less time to reach the platform in the navigation test of the MWM test. YYO exposure significantly elevated the metabolism of serotonin and dopamine in the PFC of VPA offspring.

CONCLUSION

YYO exposure showed the effects in alleviating anxiety and improving cognitive and social abilities in the offspring of VPA exposure rats. The role of YYO was related to the regulation of the metabolism of serotonin and dopamine. Please cite this article as: Zhang N, Wang ST, Yao L. Inhalation of Cananga odorata essential oil relieves anxiety behaviors in autism-like rats via regulation of serotonin and dopamine metabolism. J Integr Med. 2023; Epub ahead of print.

The Rationale for Vitamin, Mineral, and Cofactor Treatment in the Precision Medical Care of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit nutritional deficiencies due to reduced intake, genetic variants, autoantibodies interfering with vitamin transport, and the accumulation of toxic compounds that consume vitamins. Importantly, vitamins and metal ions are essential for several metabolic pathways and for neurotransmitter functioning. The therapeutic benefits of supplementing vitamins, minerals (Zinc, Magnesium, Molybdenum, and Selenium), and other cofactors (coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, and tetrahydrobiopterin) are mediated through their cofactor as well as non-cofactor functions. Interestingly, some vitamins can be safely administered at levels far above the dose typically used to correct the deficiency and exert effects beyond their functional role as enzyme cofactors. Moreover, the interrelationships between these nutrients can be leveraged to obtain synergistic effects using combinations. The present review discusses the current evidence for using vitamins, minerals, and cofactors in autism spectrum disorder, the rationale behind their use, and the prospects for future use.

Torasemide Improves the Propionic Acid-Induced Autism in Rats: A Histopathological and Imaging Study

Objective

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disease in which impaired social behaviors, impaired sociality, and restricted and repetitive behaviors are seen. Bumetanide is a loop diuretic that inhibits Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl^- cotransporter 1 and it is currently used in clinical phase studies in patients with autism spectrum disorder. In present research, it is purposed to demonstrate the beneficial effects of torasemide which is another Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl^- cotransporter 1 inhibitor on an experimental autism model induced with propionic acid by providing imaging and brain tissue investigations.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were used in the present study (n = 30). Propionic acid of 250 mg/kg/day was administrated intraperitoneally in rats to induce autism for 5 days. Three groups were created for present study as follows: group 1, normal control (n = 10); group 2, propionic acid and saline given group (n = 10); group 3, propionic acid + tora-semide-administrated group (n = 10).

Results

Torasemide group scored higher on behavioral tests compared to saline group. The brain levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-2, interleukin-17, and Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB), Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were remarkably higher in propionic acid + saline group. In histopathology assessments, torasemide group had higher neuronal count of Cornu Ammonis 1, neuronal count of Cornu Ammonis 2 in hippocampus, and Purkinje cells in cerebellum. GFAP immunostaining index (Cornu Ammonis 1) and cerebellum were lower in torasemide group. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that mean lactate value was higher in propionic acid + saline group compared to torasemide group.

Conclusion

Our experimental results showed that torasemide might enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid activity. Torasemide can be considered another promising Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl^- cotransporter 1 inhibitor in the treatment of autism with a longer half-life and less side effects after further studies.

Calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1 C and glial fibrillary acidic protein signaling pathways as a selective biomarker in predicting the efficacy of liposomal loaded co-enzyme Q in the autistic rat model

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an extreme neuropsychotic disturbance with both environmental and genetic origins. Sodium propionate (PPA) a metabolic bioproduct of gut microbiota is well-thought-out as a successful autism animal model. Nevertheless, Liposomal drug delivery system possess the advantagous of biocompatibility, targeting organs, ability to carry large drug payloads and skipping macrophages for this purpose the current study was carried out to investigate the hypothesis that Calcium Voltage-Gated channel subunit alpha 1 C (CACNA1C) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) signaling pathways crosstalk with the efficacy of Co-enzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) and liposomal loaded Co-enzyme Q10 (L Co-Q10) in PPA mediated autistic rat model. Autism was conducted by buffered PPA (500 mg/Kg b.wt) daily for 5 consecutive days subsequently treatment via Co-Q10 in a dose of (10 mg/kg b.wt) and L Co-Q10 (2 mg/kg b.wt) for four weeks then the autistic model was followed for signs of autism at different time intervals of (one, two and four weeks). The control, PPA intoxicated, and treated groups were subjected to behavioral tests (Y-Maze and open field), antioxidant analysis, gene expression analysis, and histological examination at different time intervals of the study. The results revealed that Co-Q10 and L Co-Q10 significantly elevated antioxidative stress biomarkers, comprising superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). In addition, they significantly ameliorated the oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA). Meanwhile, they significantly downregulated GFAP and CACNA1C mRNA gene expressions, Co-Q10 and LCo-Q10 showed improvement in almost brain regions post PPA histopathological alterations, even better results were manifested via LCo-Q10 groups. These results showed the superiority of LCo-Q10 over Co-Q10 in competing autism. In conclusion: The administration of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents such as Co-Q10 and L Co-Q10 may represent a promising strategy to counteract pathological behaviors in ASD model via targeting organs, increasing retention time, and reducing side effects.