Cannabinoid type 2 receptors play a crucial role in social defeat-induced depression.

Background: The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating mood, but the specific involvement of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) in depression remains poorly understood. Similarly, the mechanisms by which electroacupuncture (EA) provides therapeutic benefits for depression are not clearly defined. This research aims to explore the function of CB2R in depression and examine if the therapeutic effects of EA are associated with the hippocampal CB2R system.

The neuroprotective effects of GPR55 against hippocampal neuroinflammation and impaired adult neurogenesis in CSDS mice.

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the world today, and the onset of depression is usually accompanied by neuroinflammation and impaired adult neurogenesis. As a new potential member of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, G protein coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) has been associated with mood regulation. However, the role of GPR55 in the pathophysiology of depression remains poorly understood.

The antidepressant and anxiolytic effect of GPER on translocator protein (TSPO) via protein kinase a (PKA) signaling in menopausal female rats.

Postmenopausal depression is mainly caused by the deprivation of ovarian hormones during menopausal transition, it is of great importance to study on the treatment that could effectively relieve symptoms of menopausal depression with fewer side effects. Activation of G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has long been reported to facilitate neuronal plasticity and improve cognition in animals. Meanwhile, it could participate in regulation of intracellular signaling pathways through the characteristic of GPER, ameliorate intracellular mitochondrial function and oxidative stress.

miR-124/VAMP3 is a novel therapeutic target for mitigation of surgical trauma-induced microglial activation.

Activation of microglia and the subsequently elevated inflammatory cytokine release in the brain during surgery predispose individuals to cognitive dysfunction, also known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). miR-124 is one of the most abundant microRNAs in the brain that regulates microglial function. Elucidating the role of miR-124 in microglial activation in the context of surgery may therefore promote understanding of as well as therapeutic development for post-surgical disorders involving microglial activation.

The protective effects of Ghrelin/GHSR on hippocampal neurogenesis in CUMS mice.

Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone that also plays an important role in mood disorders. Our previous studies demonstrated that ghrelin administration could protect against depression-like behaviors of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in rodents. However, the mechanism related to the effect of ghrelin on CUMS mice has yet to be revealed.

Ghrelin exhibited antidepressant and anxiolytic effect via the p38-MAPK signaling pathway in hippocampus.

Ghrelin, a peptide derived from stomach, is an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). So far, the exact role of ghrelin in depression and anxiety is still being debated. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) is known to be activated in response to various stress stimuli.

Repurposing of omeprazole for oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination.

The efficiency of remyelination determines the degree of neuronal recovery and clinical amelioration of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, the lack of drugs facilitating myelin regeneration represents a currently unmet medical need. Herein we utilized public microarray results from the GEO database and analyzed them using Connectivity-Map, which is a database connecting diseases, genes and drugs.

Electro-Acupuncture Alleviates Chronic Unpredictable Stress-Induced Depressive- and Anxiety-Like Behavior and Hippocampal Neuroinflammation in Rat Model of Depression.

Depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. The effects of clinical depression may be mediated by neuroinflammation such as activation of microglia and high levels of proinflammatory cytokines in certain brain areas. Traditional Chinese medicine techniques such as electro-acupuncture (EA) are used extensively in Asia to treat mental health disorders.

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) dependent microglial activation promotes cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse side effect of many antineoplastic agents. Patients treated with chemotherapy often report pain and paresthesias in a "glove-and-stocking" distribution. Diverse mechanisms contribute to the development and maintenance of CIPN.

Electroacupuncture Alleviates Surgical Trauma-Induced Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal Axis Hyperactivity Via microRNA-142.

Electroacupuncture (EA) could improve the hyperactivity of the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis induced by hepatectomy. However, its underlying mechanism still remains largely unclear. Here, we found that hypothalamic corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) modulates the function of the HPA axis, while hepatectomy induced an HPA axis disorder and EA application could regulate the hypothalamic CRH.

Prevention and Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Therapies Based on CIPN Mechanisms.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a progressive, enduring, and often irreversible adverse effect of many antineoplastic agents, among which sensory abnormities are common and the most suffering issues. The pathogenesis of CIPN has not been completely understood, and strategies for CIPN prevention and treatment are still open problems for medicine.

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to review the mechanism-based therapies against sensory abnormities in CIPN.

Differential GR Expression and Translocation in the Hippocampus Mediates Susceptibility vs. Resilience to Chronic Social Defeat Stress.

While social stress exposure is a common risk factor for affective disorders, most individuals exposed to it can maintain normal physical and psychological functioning. However, factors that determine susceptibility vs. resilience to social stress remain unclear.

miR-34b attenuates trauma-induced anxiety-like behavior by targeting CRHR1.

Exposure to trauma is a potential contributor to anxiety; however, the molecular mechanisms responsible for trauma-induced anxiety require further clarification. In this study, in an aim to explore these mechanisms, we observed the changes in the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis using a radioimmunoassay and the changes in anxiety-like behavior using the open field test and elevated plus maze test in a rat model following intervention with NBI‑27914, a specific corticotropin‑releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) antagonist. CRHR1 was found to be involved in trauma‑induced anxiety.

Activation of P2X7 receptor and NLRP3 inflammasome assembly in hippocampal glial cells mediates chronic stress-induced depressive-like behaviors.

Background: In recent years, proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was considered to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of depression. In addition, P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), a member of the purinergic receptor family, which is predominantly present on microglia, as well as on astrocytes and neurons in lesser amounts in the central nervous system, was suggested to be involved in the processing and releasing of IL-1β. Here, we investigated the role of P2X7R in the pathogenesis of depression.

Ghrelin alleviates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress in rodents.

As a regulator of food intake, ghrelin also plays a key role in mood disorders. Previous studies reported that acute ghrelin administration defends against depressive symptoms of chronic stress. However, the effects of long-term ghrelin on rodents under chronic stress hasn't been revealed.

Electroacupuncture Promotes Remyelination after Cuprizone Treatment by Enhancing Myelin Debris Clearance.

Promoting remyelination is crucial for patients with demyelinating diseases including multiple sclerosis. However, it is still a circuitous conundrum finding a practical remyelinating therapy. Electroacupuncture (EA), originating from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used to treat CNS diseases all over the world, but the role of EA in demyelinating diseases is barely known.

Curcumin ameliorates neuropathic pain by down-regulating spinal IL-1β via suppressing astroglial NALP1 inflammasome and JAK2-STAT3 signalling.

Curcumin has been shown to possess strong anti-inflammatory activity in many diseases. It has been demonstrated that the janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) cascade and the NAcht leucine-rich-repeat protein 1 (NALP1) inflammasome are important for the synthesis of Pro-Interleukin (IL)-1β and the processing of the inactive protein to its mature form, which plays an active role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. The present study showed that repeated intraperitoneal injection of curcumin ameliorated SNI-induced mechanical and cold allodynia in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited the elevation of spinal mature IL-1β protein levels.

Opposite Sex Contact and Isolation: A Novel Depression/Anxiety Model.

To mimic human mood disorders, traditional chronic stresses and social defeat stress have been developed and widely applied. However, these active stresses do not mimic the emotional flaws induced by stresses, and their input levels vary greatly. Also, emotional stresses resulting from social unobtainability remain largely elusive due to the lack of useful animal models.

The Analgesic and Antineuroinflammatory Effect of Baicalein in Cancer-Induced Bone Pain.

Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is a severe type of chronic pain. It is imperative to explore safe and effective analgesic drugs for CIBP treatment. Baicalein (BE), isolated from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (or Huang Qin), has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

Arginine Vasopressin and Arginine Vasopressin Receptor 1b Involved in Electroacupuncture-Attenuated Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Hyperactivity in Hepatectomy Rats.

Objective: The study aims to know the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) in maintenance of the homeostasis of the neuroendocrine system in hepatectomy rats and the involvement of arginine vasopressin (AVP) signaling in hypothalamus after EA was observed.

Materials And Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to four groups, including the intact group, model group, sham-EA group, and EA group. EA was given during the perioperative period at the Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) points after hepatectomy.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation of "Baihui" (GV 20) , etc. on Changes of Behavior and Plasma Ghrelin Content in Depression Rats].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of "Baihui" (GV 20) + "Anmian" (EX-HN 16) and "Baihui" (GV 20) + "Zusanli" (ST 36) on behavior reactions and plasma ghrelin level in depression rats, so as to explore the correlation between its antidepressant effect and plasma ghrelin level.

Methods: A total of 45 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control, model, Baihui (GV 20) + Anmian (EX-HN 16), Baihui (GV 20) + Zusanli (ST 36) and medication (clomipramine) groups, with 9 rats in each group. The depression model (unpredictable chronic mild stresses, UC-MS) was established by giving the animals with higher temperature environment (45 °C, 5 min), forced ice-water swimming (0- 4 °C, 5 min) , day and night reversal environment (12 h), stroboflash stimulation (12 h), noisy stimulation (12 h), rocking-bed movement (30 min) and damp pad dwelling (6-24 h), etc.

[Electroacupuncture Intervention Enhances Splenic Natural Killer Cell Activity via Inhibiting Phosphorylation of ERK 5 in the Hypothalamus of Surgically Traumatized Rats].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on cytotoxic activity of splenic natural killer (NK) cells after surgical trauma via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 5 pathway in the rats' hypothalamus, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improving immune disorders after surgery.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following 6 groups: control, trauma model, EA, sham EA, 4 nmol-BIX 02188 (an inhibitor for ERK 5 catalytic activity) and 20 nmol-BIX 02188 (n = 6 rats per group). The surgical trauma model was established by making a longitudinal incision (6 cm in length) along the median line of the back to expose the spinal column and another longitudinal incision along the abdominal median line.

Early single Aspirin-triggered Lipoxin blocked morphine anti-nociception tolerance through inhibiting NALP1 inflammasome: Involvement of PI3k/Akt signaling pathway.

Clinical usage of opioids in pain relief is dampened by analgesic tolerance after chronic exposure, which is related to opioid-associated neuroinflammation. In the current study, which is based on a chronic morphine tolerance rat model and sustained morphine treatment on primary neuron culture, it was observed that Akt phosphorylation, cleaved-Caspase-1-dependent NALP1 inflammasome activation and IL-1β maturation in spinal cord neurons were significantly enhanced by morphine. Moreover, treatment with LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3k/Akt signaling, significantly reduced Caspase-1 cleavage, NALP1 inflammasome activation and attenuated morphine tolerance.

Inhibition of Spinal Interlukin-33/ST2 Signaling and Downstream ERK and JNK Pathways in Electroacupuncture Analgesia in Formalin Mice.

Although acupuncture is widely used to manage pain, it remains highly controversial, largely due to the lack of a clear mechanism for its benefits. Here, we investigated the role of IL-33, a novel interleukin (IL)-1 family member, and its receptor ST2 in the analgesic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on formalin-induced inflammatory pain. The results showed that 1) EA stimulation of ipsilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Yanglingquan (GB 34) acupoints for 30 min remarkably suppressed the two phases of formalin-induced spontaneous pain; 2) subcutaneous or intrathecal administration of recombinant IL-33 (rIL-33) significantly inhibited the analgesic effect of EA, whereas the ST2 antibody potentiated EA analgesia in formalin mice; 3) EA treatment decreased the up-regulation of IL-33 and ST2 protein following formalin injection; and 4) the suppression of the formalin-induced expression of spinal phosphorylated ERK and JNK induced by EA treatment was significantly attenuated following subcutaneous rIL-33 delivery, and was further decreased by the ST2 antibody.

The regulation of nitric oxide synthase isoform expression in mouse and human fallopian tubes: potential insights for ectopic pregnancy.

Nitric oxide (NO) is highly unstable and has a half-life of seconds in buffer solutions. It is synthesized by NO-synthase (NOS), which has been found to exist in the following three isoforms: neuro nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). NOS activity is localized in the reproductive tracts of many species, although direct evidence for NOS isoforms in the Fallopian tubes of mice is still lacking.