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Molecular Neurobiology Jun 2024Alzheimer's Disease is a degenerative neurological condition which leads to a decline in memory and cognitive function. Chlorogenic Acid (CGA) presents properties...
Alzheimer's Disease is a degenerative neurological condition which leads to a decline in memory and cognitive function. Chlorogenic Acid (CGA) presents properties including neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of CGA on cognitive impairments, neuroinflammation and neuronal damage in mice submitted to an experimental model of Sporadic Alzheimer Disease (SAD) induced by intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin (ICV-STZ). Male Swiss mice received bilateral ICV-STZ injections (3 mg/Kg) on days 1 and 3. The treatment with CGA (5 mg/Kg, orally) or vehicle (water, orally), was initiated and continued for 26 days, starting 2 h after the second induction procedure. At first, there was no change in serum glucose levels after SAD induction. ICV-STZ induces impairments in aversive, recognition, and spatial memory, while CGA treatment significantly alleviated these memory deficits. Furthermore, locomotor activity, working memory, and anxiety-related activities remained unaffected by the treatments. CGA treatment protects against ICV-STZ-induced increase in the nitrite/nitrate and TBARS levels. ICV-STZ induced a reduction in viable cells, depletion of BDNF, and triggered astrogliosis and microgliosis in the cortex and hippocampus. Treatment with CGA preserves viable cell count in the prefrontal cortex, CA1, and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. Additionally, it prevented BDNF depletion in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (CA1, CA3, and DG regions), and mitigated astrogliosis and microgliosis in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (CA1, CA3, and DG regions). These findings indicate the neuroprotective effects of CGA, underscoring their potential as therapeutic agents or adjuncts in the treatment of SAD.
PubMed: 38898198
DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04299-x -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2024The Baihe Dihuang decoction (BDD) is a representative traditional Chinese medicinal formula that has been used to treat anxiety disorders for thousands of years. This...
PURPOSE
The Baihe Dihuang decoction (BDD) is a representative traditional Chinese medicinal formula that has been used to treat anxiety disorders for thousands of years. This study aimed to reveal mechanisms of anxiolytic effects of BDD with multidimensional omics.
METHODS
First, 28-day chronic restraint stress (CRS) was used to create a rat model of anxiety, and the open field test and elevated plus maze were used to assess anxiety-like behavior. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hematoxylin-eosin staining, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate inflammatory response. Besides, 16S rRNA gene sequencing assessed fecal microbiota composition and differential microbiota. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis of feces was performed to determine fecal biomarkers, and targeted metabolomics was used to observe the levels of hippocampus neurotransmitters. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine relationships among gut microbiota, fecal metabolites, and neurotransmitters.
RESULTS
BDD significantly improved anxiety-like behaviors in CRS-induced rats and effectively ameliorated hippocampal neuronal damage and abnormal activation of hippocampal microglia. It also had a profound effect on the diversity of microbiota, as evidenced by significant changes in the abundance of 10 potential microbial biomarkers at the genus level. Additionally, BDD led to significant alterations in 18 fecal metabolites and 12 hippocampal neurotransmitters, with the majority of the metabolites implicated in amino acid metabolism pathways such as D-glutamine and D-glutamate, alanine, arginine and proline, and tryptophan metabolism. Furthermore, Pearson analysis showed a strong link among gut microbiota, metabolites, and neurotransmitters during anxiety and BDD treatment.
CONCLUSION
BDD can effectively improve anxiety-like behaviors by regulating the gut-brain axis, including gut microbiota and metabolite modification, suppression of hippocampal neuronal inflammation, and regulation of neurotransmitters.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Male; Metabolomics; Disease Models, Animal; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Stress, Psychological; Anxiety; Restraint, Physical; Hippocampus
PubMed: 38882046
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S458983 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2024Over the past decade, the idea of targeting the endocannabinoid system to treat anxiety disorders has received increasing attention. Previous studies focused more on... (Review)
Review
Over the past decade, the idea of targeting the endocannabinoid system to treat anxiety disorders has received increasing attention. Previous studies focused more on developing cannabinoid receptor agonists or supplementing exogenous cannabinoids, which are prone to various adverse effects due to their strong pharmacological activity and poor receptor selectivity, limiting their application in clinical research. Endocannabinoid hydrolase inhibitors are considered to be the most promising development strategies for the treatment of anxiety disorders. More recent efforts have emphasized that inhibition of two major endogenous cannabinoid hydrolases, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), indirectly activates cannabinoid receptors by increasing endogenous cannabinoid levels in the synaptic gap, circumventing receptor desensitization resulting from direct enhancement of endogenous cannabinoid signaling. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the anxiolytic effects of MAGL and FAAH inhibitors and their potential pharmacological mechanisms, highlight reported novel inhibitors or natural products, and provide an outlook on future directions in this field.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Amidohydrolases; Monoacylglycerol Lipases; Animals; Endocannabinoids; Enzyme Inhibitors; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 38882045
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S462785 -
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics Jul 2024The efficacy of trazodone for several psychopathologic dimensions of depression has been shown in the literature. Trazodone has been widely used in some clinical... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The efficacy of trazodone for several psychopathologic dimensions of depression has been shown in the literature. Trazodone has been widely used in some clinical contexts (e.g. for insomnia and depression in the elderly). However, the role of trazodone in several aspects of depression is not well known.
AREA COVERED
Eight experts from academic and medical centers across Italy met to identify the difficulties and barriers faced in daily clinical practice in the assessment and management of major depressive disorder and how the use of trazodone could address some unmet needs. The objective of the expert meetings and the present document was to increase knowledge of particular areas of treatment with trazodone.
EXPERT OPINION
Evidence of the role of trazodone in patients affected by major depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms, insomnia, agitation, cognitive deficits, alcohol use disorders, physical comorbidities, and suicide risk has been identified, showing the effectiveness of trazodone in different presentations of major depressive disorder. The main characteristics of patients with depression for whom trazodone seems to be most effective have been identified, providing clinicians with information on possible uses of this drug in such population of patients.
Topics: Trazodone; Humans; Depressive Disorder, Major; Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Italy
PubMed: 38881379
DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2363843 -
The Journal of International Medical... Jun 2024Pregabalin is a prescription medicine that has recently been approved for individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, anxiety disorder, or epilepsy.... (Review)
Review
Pregabalin is a prescription medicine that has recently been approved for individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, anxiety disorder, or epilepsy. Pregabalin has the side effects of dizziness, sleepiness, and angioedema. Pregabalin-induced rhabdomyolysis has been rarely reported, with only four reports to date. We report two cases of rhabdomyolysis after pregabalin treatment. A man aged older than 90 years presented with exhaustion, muscle aches, and a high serum creatine kinase concentration after taking 75 mg of pregabalin on the first day of treatment. A woman in her 90s with long-term use of pregabalin presented with considerably elevated serum creatine kinase concentrations. Both patients had a long history of taking statins. Pregabalin therapy was stopped, high-volume intravenous fluids were administered, and serum electrolytes were frequently checked. Alkalinisation was performed with excellent outcomes. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction scale and previous research suggest an association between pregabalin and rhabdomyolysis. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of rhabdomyolysis occurring with the use of pregabalin, especially when taking statins.
Topics: Humans; Pregabalin; Rhabdomyolysis; Female; Male; Aged, 80 and over; Analgesics; Creatine Kinase
PubMed: 38879799
DOI: 10.1177/03000605241257776 -
Trials Jun 2024A significant proportion of the global population has been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at some point since the onset of...
BACKGROUND
A significant proportion of the global population has been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at some point since the onset of the pandemic. Although most individuals who develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover without complications, about 6% have persistent symptoms, referred to as post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Intervention studies investigating treatments that potentially alleviate PCC-related symptoms and thus aim to mitigate the global public health burden and healthcare costs linked to PCC are desperately needed. The PYCNOVID trial investigates the effects of Pycnogenol®, a French maritime pine bark extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, versus placebo on patient-reported health status in people with PCC.
METHODS
This is a single-center, placebo-controlled, quadruple blind, randomized trial. We aim to randomly assign 150 individuals with PCC (1:1 ratio) to receive either 200 mg Pycnogenol® or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Randomization is stratified for duration of PCC symptoms (≤ 6 months versus > 6 months) and presence of symptomatic chronic disease(s). The primary endpoint is perceived health status at 12 weeks (EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale) adjusted for baseline values and stratification factors. Secondary endpoints include change in self-reported PCC symptoms, health-related quality of life, symptoms of depression and anxiety, cognitive function, functional exercise capacity, physical activity measured with accelerometry, and blood biomarkers for endothelial health, inflammation, coagulation, platelet function, and oxidative stress. Investigators, study participants, outcome assessors, and data analysts are blinded regarding the intervention assignment. Individuals with PCC were involved in the design of this study.
DISCUSSION
This is the first trial to investigate the effects of Pycnogenol® versus placebo on patient-reported health status in people with PCC. Should the trial proof clinical effectiveness, Pycnogenol® may serve as a therapeutic approach to mitigate symptoms associated with PCC.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. :NCT05890534, June 6, 2023.
Topics: Humans; Plant Extracts; Flavonoids; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Quality of Life; COVID-19; Treatment Outcome; SARS-CoV-2; Health Status; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Adult; Female; Male; Antioxidants; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 38879571
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08187-6 -
Communications Biology Jun 2024Benzodiazepines, commonly used for anxiolytics, hinder conditioned fear extinction, and the underlying circuit mechanisms are unclear. Utilizing remimazolam, an...
Benzodiazepines, commonly used for anxiolytics, hinder conditioned fear extinction, and the underlying circuit mechanisms are unclear. Utilizing remimazolam, an ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine, here we reveal its impact on the thalamic nucleus reuniens (RE) and interconnected hippocamposeptal circuits during fear extinction. Systemic or RE-specific administration of remimazolam impedes fear extinction by reducing RE activation through A type GABA receptors. Remimazolam enhances long-range GABAergic inhibition from lateral septum (LS) to RE, underlying the compromised fear extinction. RE projects to ventral hippocampus (vHPC), which in turn sends projections characterized by feed-forward inhibition to the GABAergic neurons of the LS. This is coupled with long-range GABAergic projections from the LS to RE, collectively constituting an overall positive feedback circuit construct that promotes fear extinction. RE-specific remimazolam negates the facilitation of fear extinction by disrupting this circuit. Thus, remimazolam in RE disrupts fear extinction caused by hippocamposeptal intermediation, offering mechanistic insights for the dilemma of combining anxiolytics with extinction-based exposure therapy.
Topics: Fear; Animals; Benzodiazepines; Hippocampus; Extinction, Psychological; Male; Midline Thalamic Nuclei; Rats; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Mice
PubMed: 38877285
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06417-w -
European Journal of Pharmacology Aug 2024Pain is a common public health problem and remains as an unmet medical need. Currently available analgesics usually have limited efficacy or are accompanied by many...
Pain is a common public health problem and remains as an unmet medical need. Currently available analgesics usually have limited efficacy or are accompanied by many adverse side effects. To achieve satisfactory pain relief by multimodal analgesia, new combinations of nefopam and gabapentinoids (pregabalin/gabapentin) were designed and assessed in inflammatory, osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain. Isobolographic analysis was performed to analyze the interactions between nefopam and gabapentinoids in carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain, mono-iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis pain and paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathic pain in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect and motor performance of monotherapy or their combinations were evaluated in the carrageenan-induced inflammatory responses and rotarod test, respectively. Nefopam (1, 3, 5, 10, 30 mg/kg, p.o.), pregabalin (3, 6, 12, 24 mg/kg, p.o.) or gabapentin (25, 50, 75, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently reversed mechanical allodynia in three pain models. Isobolographic analysis indicated that the combinations of nefopam and gabapentinoids exerted synergistic anti-nociceptive effects in inflammatory, osteoarthritis, and neuropathic pain mouse models, as evidenced by the experimental ED (median effective dose) falling below the predicted additive line. Moreover, the combination of nefopam-pregabalin/gabapentin alleviated carrageenan-induced inflammation and edema, and also prevented gabapentinoids-related sedation or ataxia by lowering their effective doses. Collectively, the co-administration of nefopam and gabapentinoids showed synergistic analgesic effects and may result in improved therapeutic benefits for treating pain.
Topics: Animals; Neuralgia; Nefopam; Drug Synergism; Mice; Gabapentin; Analgesics; Male; Disease Models, Animal; Osteoarthritis; Inflammation; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Pregabalin; Hyperalgesia; Carrageenan
PubMed: 38876275
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176738 -
PloS One 2024Pulmonary fibrosis caused by lung injury is accompanied by varying degrees of inflammation, and diazepam can reduce the levels of inflammatory factors. Therefore, the...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Pulmonary fibrosis caused by lung injury is accompanied by varying degrees of inflammation, and diazepam can reduce the levels of inflammatory factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether diazepam can inhibit inflammation and ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the let-7a-5p/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88) axis.
METHODS
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce cell pyroptosis in an animal model of pulmonary fibrosis. After treatment with diazepam, changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis were observed, and the occurrence of inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis in the mice was detected.
RESULTS
The results showed that LPS can successfully induce cell pyroptosis and inflammatory responses and cause lung fibrosis in mice. Diazepam inhibits the expression of pyroptosis-related factors and inflammatory factors; moreover, it attenuates the occurrence of pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Mechanistically, diazepam can upregulate the expression of let-7a-5p, inhibit the expression of MYD88, and reduce inflammation and inhibit pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the let-7a-5p/MYD88 axis.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicated that diazepam can inhibit LPS-induced pyroptosis and inflammatory responses and alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in mice by regulating the let-7a-5p/MYD88 axis.
Topics: Animals; Pyroptosis; Lipopolysaccharides; Mice; Diazepam; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88; MicroRNAs; Inflammation; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38875245
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305409 -
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine :... Jun 2024Black-handed spider monkeys ( ssp.) are endangered in Mexico. Safe anesthetic protocols are important for and conservation problems. Such protocols are scarce in the...
Black-handed spider monkeys ( ssp.) are endangered in Mexico. Safe anesthetic protocols are important for and conservation problems. Such protocols are scarce in the literature; nor have safety and physiologic responses been reported. High doses and volume are a counter side for field immobilizations. We tested an anesthetic protocol with a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam (5 mg/kg) plus xylazine (1 mg/kg) in 14 black-handed spider monkeys under human care from two facilities in Mexico. Physiological parameters such as HR, RR, T, SPO, systolic arterial pressure (), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and median arterial pressure (MAP) were obtained. HR and RR decreased over time, but T increased significantly during the anesthetic time for the whole group; RR and T decreased for juveniles only. Variation between individuals was observed for HR, RR, and DAP. Volume reduction of drugs was achieved compared to previously reported anesthesia protocols. Induction time was fast (6.2 ± 10.4 min) and no tail prehension was seen. Recovery was prolonged (mean and SD). Physiologic parameters remained stable throughout. The protocol proved to be safe for the chemical immobilization of black-handed spider monkeys.
Topics: Animals; Tiletamine; Zolazepam; Xylazine; Male; Female; Ateles geoffroyi; Drug Combinations; Anesthesia; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Anesthetics; Anesthetics, Combined
PubMed: 38875204
DOI: 10.1638/2020-0214