Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mudan Cai, Hee Ra Park, Eun Jin Yang
Summary: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by overwhelming fear and anxiety after exposure to traumatic events. Disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis play a role in the development of mood disorders, including anxiety, PTSD, and major depressive disorders. The HPA axis regulates the immune system, fear memory, and neurotransmission. Currently, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the only approved drugs for PTSD treatment. However, SSRIs have limitations in terms of treatment duration and response rates, necessitating additional pharmacological interventions. Complementary and alternative medicine therapies can ameliorate HPA axis disturbances by regulating gut dysbiosis, insomnia, chronic stress, and depression.
Article
Allergy
Wisdom Alemya Akurugu, Carel Jacobus Van Heerden, Nicola Mulder, Ekkehard Werner Zollner
Summary: This study found that some SNPs of the CRHR1 and NR3C1 genes are associated with HPAS in asthmatic children, with the C allele of rs41423247 potentially having a protective effect on HPAS, and the CC genotype being associated with the highest PMTP ACTH response.
PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jody A. Rusch, Brian T. Layden, Lara R. Dugas
Summary: Cognitive function in humans relies on the complex interplay between multiple body systems, including the HPA axis. The gut microbiota, which outnumbers human cells and has a greater genetic potential, plays a crucial role through the MGB axis, a bidirectional communication pathway. Stress can affect the MGB axis through the HPA axis and other pathways, and animal research has contributed to a paradigm shift in understanding the influence of microbiota on human health and disease. Preclinical and human trials are currently investigating the applicability of these findings in humans.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Martin Werdermann, Ilona Berger, Laura D. Scriba, Alice Santambrogio, Pia Schlinkert, Heike Brendel, Henning Morawietz, Andreas Schedl, Mirko Peitzsch, Aileen J. F. King, Cynthia L. Andoniadou, Stefan R. Bornstein, Charlotte Steenblock
Summary: This study investigated the impact of metabolic diseases on progenitor cells in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, showing that insulin enhances proliferation and differentiation of these cells, while chronic metabolic stress leads to hyperactivation of the axis. This suggests a potential link between early life stress and the development of metabolic syndrome in adulthood.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bei Zhou, Qilong Xu, Junjie Guo, Qinliang Chen, Qingqing Lv, Kan Xiao, Huiling Zhu, Jiangchao Zhao, Yulan Liu
Summary: This study investigates the role of necroptosis in the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in a stress model induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The findings indicate that necroptosis is present and contributes to HPA axis activation induced by LPS. Necroptosis may serve as a potential intervention target for alleviating HPA axis activation and stress responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mojca Jensterle, Rok Herman, Andrej Janez, Wael Al Mahmeed, Khalid Al-Rasadi, Kamila Al-Alawi, Maciej Banach, Yajnavalka Banerjee, Antonio Ceriello, Mustafa Cesur, Francesco Cosentino, Massimo Galia, Su-Yen Goh, Sanjay Kalra, Peter Kempler, Nader Lessan, Paulo Lotufo, Nikolaos Papanas, Ali A. Rizvi, Raul D. Santos, Anca P. Stoian, Peter P. Toth, Vijay Viswanathan, Manfredi Rizzo
Summary: The article reviews the rationale for glucocorticoid use in COVID-19 and emphasizes the need to be cautious about glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency. The authors also discuss other mechanisms that may affect HPA axis function and the increased risk and severity of COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing HPA axis disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
You Lee Son, Takayoshi Ubuka, Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
Summary: Under stressful conditions, the GnIH neuropeptide may play a key role in regulating reproductive function. Different types and durations of stress can modulate the GnIH system, impacting the activity of the HPG axis. GnIH appears to be a potential novel mediator responsible for stress-induced reproductive dysfunction.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Xing Chen, Fei Jiang, Qun Yang, Peiyun Zhang, Haijiao Zhu, Chao Liu, Tongtong Zhang, Weijun Li, Jian Xu, Hongmei Shen
Summary: The study showed that bilateral rTMS had a certain effectiveness on depressive symptoms and dysfunction of HPA axis in MDD patients, alleviating depression by improving sleep disorders, and plasma ACTH levels can predict the efficacy of rTMS, especially in male patients.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Manxiu Ma, Alyssa A. Brunal, Kareem C. Clark, Carleigh Studtmann, Katelyn Stebbins, Shin-ichi Higashijima, Y. Albert Pan
Summary: The expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the hypothalamus plays a critical role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in the stress response. Through studying zebrafish, researchers identified dscaml1 as an important factor in CRH neuron development and HPA axis function. Mutations in dscaml1 led to increased CRH expression and cell number in hypothalamic CRH neurons, as well as altered stress hormone levels and response to stressors. These findings suggest a role for dscaml1 in stress axis development and its potential contribution to neuropsychiatric disorders.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Bongjun Sur, Bombi Lee
Summary: Rg3 administration improved fear memory and spatial memory, possibly by regulating the HPA axis and activating the BDNF-TrkB pathway.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL MEDICINES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Feiye Wu, Jing Zhu, Yang Wan, Subinuer Kurexi, Jia Zhou, Ke Wang, Tongyu Chen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its potential mechanisms. The results showed that EA treatment effectively inhibited the hyperactivity of the HPA axis and promoted postoperative recovery by activating the oxytocin/oxytocin receptor (OXT/OXTR) signaling pathway.
NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Isabel Crespo-Sanmiguel, Mariola Zapater-Fajari, Matias M. Pulopulos, Vanesa Hidalgo, Alicia Salvador
Summary: The study found that early life stress (ELS) is associated with perceived stress, but not with HPA axis functioning. Loneliness mediates the relationship between ELS and perceived stress, but not between ELS and HPA axis functioning.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Christina Tatsi, Megan Neely, Chelsi Flippo, Maria-Eleni Bompou, Meg Keil, Constantine A. Stratakis
Summary: The recovery of adrenal function in pediatric patients with CD after TSS may not be influenced by most clinical and biochemical factors, except for an increase in urinary free cortisol which may prolong the recovery time. Patients who recover adrenal function earlier are at a higher risk for CD recurrence, highlighting the importance of close follow-up and counseling for these patients.
CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jian Zhong Yang, Chuan Yuan Kang, Jing Yuan, Yan Zhang, Yu Jun Wei, Li Xu, Fang Zhou, Xinxin Fan
Summary: This study highlighted that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) showed differences in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and symptom severity compared to those without ACEs. ACEs, ACTH, and COR could serve as predictors for long-term antidepressant treatment, suggesting that they may be poor prognostic indicators for MDD patients with ACEs.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Agnes Martin, Josiane Castells, Valentine Allibert, Andrea Emerit, Cindy Zolotoff, Victoire Cardot-Ruffino, Yann S. Gallot, Barbara Vernus, Veronique Chauvet, Laurent Bartholin, Laurent Schaeffer, Anne-Cecile Durieux, Christophe Hourde, Francois B. Favier, Laetitia Mazelin, Damien Freyssenet
Summary: This study found that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-glucocorticoid pathway plays an important role in the transcriptional regulation of skeletal muscle catabolism and hepatic metabolism during cancer cachexia.
JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun-ju Lee, Tae-Ik Choi, Yong-Min Kim, Soonje Lee, Bing Han, In Seon Bak, Sun Ae Moon, Dae-Yeul Yu, Ki Soon Shin, Yunhee Kim Kwon, Cheil Moon, Jae Hwan Ryu, Hyang-Sook Hoe, Cheol-Hee Kim, Insop Shim
Summary: Recent studies have shown that Gng8 is mainly expressed in the MHb-IPN circuit of the mouse brain. Gng8KO mice exhibited deficiencies in learning and memory, as well as significantly reduced long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Furthermore, levels of acetylcholine and choline acetyltransferase in the MHb and IPN of Gng8KO mice were significantly decreased, compared to WT mice.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yu Ri Kim, Sun Young Lee, So Min Lee, Insop Shim, Mi Young Lee
Summary: The study results suggest that the extract of Hibiscus syriacus Linnaeus flower (HSF) and its active constituent saponarin have desirable effects on anxiety, wake times, REM sleep time, and the expression of cortical GABA(A) receptor alpha 1 (GABAAR alpha 1) and c-Fos in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO). HSF extract and saponarin also restored sleep rate and sleep bout duration.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Rehabilitation
Hyun Jung Park, Sung Ja Rhie, Insop Shim
Summary: Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasingly prevalent in most countries and is linked to various cardiovascular diseases. Panax ginseng and its saponin fractions have shown efficacy in combating obesity-related issues such as fatigue, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. It is suggested that combining natural products like ginseng with exercise may have synergistic effects in preventing weight gain and obesity.
JOURNAL OF EXERCISE REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Javeria Zaheer, Hyeongi Kim, In Ok Ko, Eun-Kyeong Jo, Eui-Ju Choi, Hae-June Lee, Insop Shim, Hyun-jeong Woo, Jonghoon Choi, Gun-Ha Kim, Jin Su Kim
Summary: Exposure to microplastics was found to be a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as demonstrated in mouse models through behavioral assessments and various analytical techniques.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Seon-Young Park, HyeJin Yang, Minsook Ye, Xiao Liu, Insop Shim, Young-Tae Chang, Hyunsu Bae
Summary: This study found that adoptive transfer of Tregs can improve neurodegeneration in TMT-intoxicated mice by promoting neurogenesis and modulating microglial activation and polarization.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Insop Shim
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Minsook Ye, Hyunsu Bae, Songyi Park, Jaehwan Lew, Kyung Soo Kim, Insop Shim
Summary: This study conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of water extract of nelumbinis semen (WNS) in improving depressive and stress symptoms. The results showed that the 2.4 g WNS-treated group had significantly improved scores on Beck depression inventory (BDI) and the stress response inventory (SRI), while the 4.8 g WNS-treated group demonstrated increased alpha/beta activity, indicating an improvement in depression symptoms. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness and safety of WNS in reducing depression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hyun-Jung Park, SunYoung Lee, Minsook Ye, Bong Hee Han, Hyun Soo Shim, Daehyuk Jang, Insop Shim
Summary: This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of chitoglucan and its hormonal mechanisms in high-fat diet-induced mice. The results showed that chitoglucan reduced body weight and fat contents, and significantly decreased serum leptin levels. Additionally, it inhibited the increase of serum resistin caused by high-fat diet. These findings suggest that chitoglucan may have therapeutic potential for high diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun-Jung Park, Woojin Jeong, Hyo Jeong Yu, Minsook Ye, Yunki Hong, Minji Kim, Ji Youn Kim, Insop Shim
Summary: Grounding is a therapeutic technique that involves activities reconnecting us to the earth, and its effects on sleep and pain have been studied. This study investigated the stress-related behavioral effects of an earthing mat in rats and found that it reduced stress-induced behavioral changes and expression of certain proteins in the brain.
Review
Rehabilitation
Hyun Jung Park, Sung Ja Rhie, Insop Shim
Summary: Chronic psychological or physical stress can lead to depressive behaviors and inflammation in the brain. Postmenopausal women under stress condition worsen neuroimmune systems and mood disorders. Repeated stress in ovariectomized female rats induces depressive-like behaviors, exaggerated corticosterone responses, and changes in proinflammatory cytokine expression. Physical exercise helps reduce stress hormones, improve personal immunity, alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance physical and psychological well-being.
JOURNAL OF EXERCISE REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minsook Ye, SunYoung Lee, Hyo Jeong Yu, Kyu-Ri Kim, Hyun-Jung Park, In-Cheol Kang, Soon Ah Kang, Young-Shin Chung, Insop Shim
Summary: This study investigated the antidepressant and sedative effects of Glycine max Merr. (GM) and its biologically active compound, genistein (GE), in an electric foot shock (EFS)-stressed rat model. The results showed that GM and GE increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time and decreased wake time. They also decreased c-Fos and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and increased serotonin (5-HT) levels in the dorsal raphe in the brain. These findings suggest that GM and GE have antidepressant-like effects and promote sleep.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Rehabilitation
Hyun Jung Park, Sung Ja Rhie, Insop Shim
Summary: Factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and sleep disorders are associated with increased body mass and can worsen cardiovascular disease. These obesity-related health problems result from disrupted metabolism and physical and emotional stress. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is an important therapeutic strategy for treating and managing metabolic issues caused by obesity. It not only helps burn fat and increase energy expenditure during and after exercise, but also has numerous other health benefits.
JOURNAL OF EXERCISE REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
SunYoung Lee, Hun-Soo Lee, Minsook Ye, Min-A Kim, Hwajung Kang, Sung Ja Rhie, Mi Young Lee, In Chul Jung, In-Cheol Kang, Insop Shim
Summary: This study investigated the sedative effects of medicinal plants used in Korean medicine for treating insomnia. The results showed that YmP, a modified form of Yukmijihwang-tang, has a sedative effect by activating the central serotonergic systems.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun-Jung Park, Hyun Soo Shim, Ah-Reum Han, Eun-Kyoung Seo, Kyu-Ri Kim, Bong Hee Han, Insop Shim
Summary: The study showed that three isolated compounds from Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii can suppress inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Hye-Young Joung, Minsook Ye, Miyoung Lee, Yunki Hong, Minji Kim, Kyung Soo Kim, Insop Shim
Summary: This study investigated the sedative-hypnotic effects of water extracts from five medicinal plants and compared their binding abilities to GABA(A)-BZD and 5-HT2C receptors. The water extract of Coptidis Rhizoma showed high affinity to these receptors and increased the activity of melatonin synthesis enzyme in pineal cells. Animal experiments further revealed that the water extract of Coptidis Rhizoma prolonged sleep time and reduced sleep onset time without altering the architectural profile of sleep.