BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
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2025
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IF 7.6
Xiaoyu Yu,Tingting Yang,Di Wu,Chenxue Xu,Zhuoran Li,Ao Sun,Shulei Gao,Heng Li,Zhenyu Fan,Rongrong Huang
Microglial inflammation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder; however, the underlying biological mechanisms remain inadequately understood. Consequently, we conducted a screening of the Poly ADP-ribose (PAR) polymerase (PARP) family expression in the hippocampus of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) mouse models and investigated the specific role of PARP14 in microglial inflammation and its association with depression. Here, this study demonstrated the elevated PARP14 expression in the hippocampus of CUS mice. The knockdown of PARP14 in the hippocampus did not mitigate depressive-like behaviors in mice, whereas overexpression of PARP14 significantly mitigated these behaviors. Furthermore, PARP14 was abundant in microglia, and microglial-targeted PARP14 overexpression significantly alleviated depressive-behaviors in CUS, reduced microglial activation, and inhibited the central inflammatory responses. Mechanistically, PARP14 positively regulated nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) expression in microglia, and the inflammatory response of microglia induced by PARP14 knockdown was suppressed through NNT overexpression. Additionally, deficiency in NNT led to an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent microglial inflammation, which was effectively inhibited by the ROS inhibitor N-Acetylcysteine. These findings suggest that PARP14 alleviates depressive-like behaviors in mice by inhibiting microglial activation via NTT-mediated clearance of ROS.
研究领域:
神经科学
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免疫学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Scientific Reports
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2025
·Vol. 15
·期 1
·1-11
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IF 3.9
Hu Lili,Wu Na,Wang Jue,Cai Donghui
The anti-inflammatory effect of phellodendrine (PHE), derived from Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, has been verified in previous studies. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with immune dysregulation and inflammatory processes. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of PHE on MDD through network pharmacology and experimental validation. Multiple databases were used to predict the targets of PHE and MDD. The intersection targets between PHE and MDD were obtained to identify as targets for PHE against MDD, followed by protein–protein interaction network, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. Molecular docking was applied to further confirm the anti-MDD effects of PHE. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, inflammatory cytokines and pathway-related mRNA expressions in PC12 cell were determined via quantitative PCR (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to verify our finding. Thirty-eight intersection targets were obtained between PHE and MDD. PHE exerted an anti-MDD effect by regulating SLC6A4, SLC6A3, SLC6A2, MAOA and other targets through serotonergic synapse, salivary secretion, dopaminergic synapse, and cAMP signalling pathway. In vitro, PHE induced an increment in mtDNA copy number compared with the CORT group. PHE affected the levels of IL6 and IL1β with different concentrations. The mRNA levels of CHRM1, HTR1A and key targets of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway were also influenced. Our research reveals novel mechanisms underlying the anti-MDD effects of PHE through network pharmacology and experiments, which provides a new direction for the development of antidepressants.
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Advanced Science
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2025
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IF 14.1
Feng Gao,Zhongkun Zhang,Minzi Ju,Liang Bian,Huijuan Wang,Sibo Zhao,Ningbo Cai,Yu Wang,Yanpeng Jia,Ling Shen,Yuan Zhang,Honghong Yao
RNA therapeutics have recently shown significant promise in treating a variety of diseases, including cancers, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders. However, their potential in addressing neuropsychiatric disorders has been limited by the lack of an efficient delivery system to the central nervous system (CNS). Here, a novel nanoemulsion platform, perillyl alcohol nanoemulsions (PANEs) is introduced, designed for the therapeutic delivery of circDYM to brain and alleviated depressive-like behaviors. PANEs successfully encapsulated circDYM using cationic lipid compositions, enhancing its delivery efficiency to the mouse brain via its perillyl alcohol phase. The optimized formulation, PANE2-4, significantly improved the brain delivery efficiency of circDYM compared to both free circDYM and standard lipid nanoparticle formulations. Intranasal administration of PANE2-4-circDYM effectively alleviated depressive-like behaviors in the LPS-induced mouse model of depression. This effect is achieved by reducing the CD11b + CD45 dim microglia population and iNOS expression, restoring the expression of protein-95 (PSD-95) and synaptophysin. These findings indicated that PANE represents an efficient platform for delivering circRNAs to the brain, and intranasal administration of PANE2-4-circDYM is a promising strategy for ameliorating LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药剂学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
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2025
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IF 6.8
Zhaoxiang Song,Huaduan Liang,Chu Xue,Shuxian Wang,Younan Ren,Zhuang Zhang,Tifei Xu,Bo Niu,Mengmeng Song,Mengru Liu,Xu Qin,Jie Li,Xianya Zhao,Fang Zhao,Jianhua Shen,Zhengyu Cao,Kai Wang
Transient receptor potential canonical channels 4 and 5 (TRPC4/5) are nonselective cation channels involved in emotional regulation, positioning them to be promising targets for treating mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. HC-070, a potent TRPC4/5 inhibitor, exhibits significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in animal models, though its drug-like properties require optimization. In this study, we applied a property-based drug design (PBDD) approach to optimize HC-070, leading to the discovery of compound 32, which shows improved LipE and Fsp3 values, reduced hERG blocking activity, enhanced metabolic stability, increased aqueous solubility, and superior oral bioavailability. Oral administration of compound 32 in mouse models demonstrates anxiolytic and antidepressant efficacy comparable to fluoxetine. This study supports the therapeutic potential of TRPC4/5 inhibitors for mental disorders and identifies compound 32 as a promising candidate for further investigation. Furthermore, our work underscores the value of PBDD in optimizing lead compounds during drug discovery process.
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Medicina-Lithuania
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2022
·Vol. 58
·期 12
·1749
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IF 2.948
Aoqi Song,Zhenghua Wu,Wenjuan Zhao,Wenqing Shi,Ru Cheng,Jingjing Jiang,Zhuojun Ni,Han Qu,Xijier Qiaolongbatu,Guorong Fan,Yuefen Lou
Background and Objectives:Hypericum perforatum(HP) is widely used for depressive therapy. Nevertheless, the antidepressant effect and potential mechanism of hyperoside (Hyp), the main active component of HP, have not been determined. Materials and Methods: We performed ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole-time-of-flight–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology to analyze the components in HP. Using data mining and network pharmacology methods, combined with Cytoscape v3.7.1 and other software, the active components, drug-disease targets, and key pathways of HP in the treatment of depression were evaluated. Finally, the antidepressant effects of Hyp and the mechanism involved were verified in chronic-stress-induced mice. Results: We identified 12 compounds from HP. Hyp, isoquercetin, and quercetin are the main active components of HP. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP), the Analysis Platform, DrugBank, and other databases were analyzed using data mining, and the results show that the active components of HP and depression are linked to targets such as TNF-, IL-2, TLR4, and so on. A potential signaling pathway that was most relevant to the antidepressant effects of Hyp is the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, the antidepressant effects of Hyp were examined, and it is verified for the first time that Hyp significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors in chronic-stress-induced mice, which may be mediated by inhibiting the NLRP1 inflammasome through the CXCL1/CXCR2/BDNF signaling pathway. Conclusion: Hyp is one of the main active components of HP, and Hyp has antidepressant effects through the NLRP1 inflammasome, which may be connected with the CXCL1/CXCR2/BDNF signaling pathway.Keywords:depression;NLRP1 inflammasome;Hypericum perforatum;hyperoside;CXCL1/CXCR2;BDNF
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2024
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IF 4.8
Zhangjie Wu,Ying Yin,Ruiyi Liu,Xianhui Li,Yan Sun,Suk-yu Yau,Lei Wu,Yan Liu,Miroslav Adzic,Hailou Zhang,Gang Chen
Ethnopharmacological relevance Jiawei-Xiaoyao Pill (JWX), a classic formula in traditional Chinese medicine, is derived from Xiaoyao Pill by adding significant amounts of Gardeniae Fructus (GF) and Moutan Cortex (MC). It is frequently used for the treatment of depression. JWX has been demonstrated to uniquely elicit rapid antidepressant-like effects within the prescribed dosage range. To date, GF has been shown to have rapid antidepressant-like effects, but a much higher dose is required than its proportion in JWX. It is assumed that the synergism of GF with a minimum number of other herbs in JWX serves as a refined formula that exerts these rapid antidepressant-like effects. Identification of a refined formula is important for prioritizing the herbs and ingredients to optimize the quality control of JWX. However, such a refined formula for JWX has not been identified yet Aim of the study Here we aimed to identify a refined formula derived from JWX for optimized rapid antidepressant-like effects. Since the neuroinflammation mechanism involving in depression treatment has not been previously investigated for JWX, we tested the mechanism for both JWX and the refined formula Materials and methods Individual herbs (MC ; ASR, Angelica Sinensis Radix; Bupleuri Radix; Paeonia Radix Alba ) that show antidepressant-like responses were mixed with GF at the proportional dosage in JWX to identify the refined formula. Rapid antidepressant-like effects were assessed by using NSF (Novelty Suppressed Feeding Test) and other behavioral tests following a single administration. The identified formula was further tested using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive model, and the molecular signaling mechanisms were investigated using western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, and pharmacological inhibition of mTOR signaling. Scopolamine (Scop) is used as a positive control for induction of rapid antidepressant effects Results A combination of GF, MC and ASR (GMA) at their dosages proportional to JWX induced behavioral signs of rapid antidepressant-like responses in both normal and LPS-treated mice, with the antidepressant-like effects sustained for 5 d. Similar to JWX or Scop, GMA rapidly reduced the neuroinflammation signaling of Iba-1-NF-кB, enhanced neuroplasticity signaling of CaMKII-mTOR-BDNF, and attenuated the upregulated expressions of the NMDAR sub-units GluN1 and GluN2B in the hippocampus of LPS-treated mice. GMA, JWX and Scop rapidly restored the number of BDNF-positive cells reduced by LPS treatment, in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Furthermore, rapamycin, a selective inhibitor of mTOR, blunted the rapid antidepressant-like effects and hippocampal BDNF signaling upregulation by GMA Conclusion GMA may serve as a refined formula from JWX, capable of inducing rapid antidepressant-like effects. In LPS-induced depression model, the effects of GMA were mediated via rapidly alleviating neuroinflammation and enhancing neuroplasticity
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
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中医
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行为科学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Pharmacology
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2025
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IF 4.8
Shuaifei Lu,Jiduo Shen,Xiaohui Jin,Changjing Zhang,Baoying Wang,Xianghua Liu,Ming Bai,Erping Xu,Xiangli Yan,Yucheng Li
Introduction: Dysfunction of axoplasmic transport is closely linked to depression. Baicalin, a major flavonoid in Scutellaria baicalensis, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used in depression treatment, has demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in previous studies. However, its potential role in regulating axoplasmic transport has not been explored. This study aims to investigate the antidepressant mechanisms of baicalin through modulation of axoplasmic transport in hippocampal neurons.Methods: Male C57BL/6N mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and treated with baicalin (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (20 mg/kg). Depression-like behaviors were assessed using the sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and locomotor activity test (LAT). Hippocampal neuronal pathology was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Nissl, and Golgi staining. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms of baicalin. HT22 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with corticosterone (CORT) and baicalin. FM1-43 was used to label vesicles and track vesicular movement. mRNA and protein levels were measured by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.Results: Baicalin significantly alleviated CUMS-induced depressive behaviors, increasing sucrose preference, reducing immobility time in TST and FST, and increasing food intake without affecting locomotor activity. It improved hippocampal CA3 neuronal damage, increased dendritic spine density, and promoted presynaptic vesicle accumulation, particularly in glutamatergic neurons. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that baicalin upregulated vGLUT2 (encoded by the Slc17a6 gene) and significantly increased the expression of GluN2B, GluA1, and PSD95. Moreover, baicalin upregulated the expression of kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) both in vivo and in vitro, enhancing vesicle movement along axons and increasing vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2) enrichment in synaptosomes.Discussion: These findings suggest that baicalin enhances anterograde axoplasmic transport by upregulating KIF5A expression, facilitating vesicular trafficking and improving synaptic function in glutamatergic neurons. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of antidepressant effects of baicalin, highlighting KIF5A as a potential therapeutic target for depression.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
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2021
·Vol. 31
·期 19
·2010757
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IF 18.808
Boying Li,Yiying Wang,Dong Gao,Shuxi Ren,Li Li,Ning Li,Hailong An,Tiantian Zhu,Yakun Yang,Hailin Zhang,Chengfen Xing
Considering recent breakthroughs in the field of optogenetics, a powerful tool is established in the present study to modulate the activities of target neurons through the application of light-based methods. Near-infrared (NIR) light enables the penetration of deep-tissue. As a result, it can be used to modulate the functions of proteins/cells. Herein, it is aimed to develop a NIR light-sensitive drug delivery system to spatially and temporally control the activation of the loaded drug at the stimulation sites through its release from a nanoparticle sensitive to NIR. Owing to their excellent photothermal effect under NIR irradiation, the nanoparticles are found to penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, ultimately reaching neurons. Furthermore, by loading fasudil, a selective activator of the Kv7.4 potassium channel, into the precisely designed and synthesized NIR light-sensitive nanoparticles, the firing frequency of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area is found to be remarkably reduced upon NIR light irradiation. Such findings shed light on a new concept that can be used for developing more selective drug therapies for the treatment of diseases, such as major depression.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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生物医学工程
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DOI
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
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2024
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IF 1
Haodong Zhou,Yulan Zhu,Xianfeng Huang
PDE4 is a potential target for treating mental diseases including depression, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia involving in the hydrolysis of cAMP. Curcumin is well-known for its potential as a neuroprotective compound against depression. It was able to inhibit PDE4 with IC50 value in the range of 10 to 20 μM with low selectivity. However, curcumin itself cannot be used clinically because of its poor drug-like properties. Herein, a series of new curcumin derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their PDE4 inhibitory activities and antidepressant effects in vivo were also evaluated. Consequently, most of these curcumin derivatives demonstrated good inhibitory activities against PDE4. Furthermore, compound 4e exhibited the most potent activity at nanomolar level (IC50 value: 23 nM). It also could improve depression-like behaviors induced by chronic stress including sugar forced swimming and water consumption tests in vivo.
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE
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2018
·Vol. 33
·期 5
·1721-1731
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IF 2.441
Chen Zhao-Di,Chen Wen-Qiang,Wang Zhi-Yuan,Cao Dan-Ni,Wu Ning,Li Jin
Previous studies have shown that agmatine, a potential neuromodulator or co-transmitter, exhibited antidepressant-like action in animal models, yet its mechanism, especially the receptor mechanism, remains unclear. In the present study, using efaroxan, a preferential antagonist of I 1 imidazoline receptor (I 1 R) and yohimbine, an antagonist of α 2 adrenergic receptor (α 2 AR), we investigated the roles of I 1 R and α 2 AR in agmatine’s antidepressant-like effect in acute and sub-acute depression models in mice. We found that in the tail-suspension test (TST) and the forced swimming test (FST), acute administration of agmatine (20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly shortened the immobility time. Concurrent administration of efaroxan (1 mg/kg, i.p.) completely abolished the antidepressant-like effects of agmatine (40 mg/kg, p.o.) whereas yohimbine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to exert similar effects, suggesting that the acute antidepressant-like effects of agmatine was mainly mediated by I 1 R but not α 2 AR. Additionally, in the learned helplessness (LH) test, repeated administration of agmatine (20 mg/kg, p.o., q.d.) for 5 days significantly decreased the escape latency and the number of escape failure, and these effects were respectively abolished by concurrent administration of efaroxan (0.5 mg/kg,i.p., q.d.) and yohimbine (3 mg/kg, i.p., q.d.) for 5 days, suggesting that the antidepressant-like action of agmatine in the LH test was achieved via the activation of both I 1 R and α 2 AR. In summary, we found that the antidepressant-like effects of agmatine in the TST and the FST were mediated by activating I 1 R and in the sub-acute LH test were mediated by activating both I 1 R and α 2 AR.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
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2019
·Vol. 20
·期 17
·4282
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IF 4.183
Yunfeng Zhou,Xue Tao,Zhi Wang,Li Feng,Lisha Wang,Xinmin Liu,Ruile Pan,Yonghong Liao,Qi Chang
An olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) rodent is a widely-used model for depression (especially for agitated depression). The present study aims to investigate the hippocampus metabolic profile and autophagy-related pathways in OBX rats and to explore the modulatory roles of fluoxetine. OBX rats were given a 30-day fluoxetine treatment after post-surgery rehabilitation, and then behavioral changes were evaluated. Subsequently, the hippocampus was harvested for metabonomics analysis and Western blot detection. As a result, OBX rats exhibited a significantly increased hyperemotionality score and declined spatial memory ability. Fluoxetine reduced the hyperemotional response, but failed to restore the memory deficit in OBX rats. Sixteen metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers for the OBX model including six that were rectified by fluoxetine. Disturbed pathways were involved in amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, purine metabolism, and energy metabolism. In addition, autophagy was markedly inhibited in the hippocampus of OBX rats. Fluoxetine could promote autophagy by up-regulating the expression of LC3 II, beclin1, and p-AMPK/AMPK, and down-regulating the levels of p62, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, and p-ULK1/ULK1. Our findings indicated that OBX caused marked abnormalities in hippocampus metabolites and autophagy, and fluoxetine could partly redress the metabolic disturbance and enhance autophagy to reverse the depressive-like behavior, but not the memory deficits in OBX rats.Keywords:olfactory bulbectomy;depression;hippocampus;metabonomics;autophagy
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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行为科学
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PubMed
高影响因子
BIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY
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2015
·Vol. 29
·期 11
·1737-1743
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IF 1.723
Xue-jia Zhai,Fen Chen,Chao-ran Zhu,Yong-ning Lu
Many amino acid neurotransmitters in urine are associated with chronic stress as well as major depressive disorders. To better understand depression, an analytical LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of 11 underivatized neurotransmitters (4-aminohippurate, 5-HIAA, glutamate, glutamine, hippurate, pimelate, proline, tryptophan, tyramine, tyrosine and valine) in a single analytical run was developed. The advantage of this method is the simple preparation in that there is no need to deconjugate the urine samples. The quantification range was 25–12,800 ng mL −1 with >85.8% recovery for all analytes. The nocturnal urine concentrations of the 11 neurotransmitters in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model rats and control group ( n = 12) were analyzed. A series of significant changes in urinary excretion of neurotransmitters could be detected: the urinary glutamate, glutamine, hippurate and tyramine concentrations were significantly lower in the CUMS group. In addition, the urinary concentrations of tryptophan as well as tyrosine were significantly higher in chronically stressed rats. This method allows the assessment of the neurotransmitters associated with CUMS in rat urine in a single analytical run, making it suitable for implementation as a routine technique in depression research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
研究领域:
生物化学
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医学研究
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神经科学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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