Article
Neurosciences
Faizan Ul Haq, Mohammad Shoaib, Syed Wadood Ali Shah, Haya Hussain, Muhammad Zahoor, Riaz Ullah, Ahmed Bari, Amal Alotaibi, Muhammad Faisal Hayat
Summary: This study aimed to synthesize benzodiazepine derivatives and evaluate their antidepressant potentials. The results showed that compounds 2 and 5 exhibited significant antidepressant effects and increased GABA levels in the brain's hippocampus of experimental animals, indicating the possible involvement of the GABAergic mechanism.
Article
Neurosciences
Josh Allen, Raquel Romay-Tallon, Milann A. Mitchell, Kyle J. Brymer, Jenessa Johnston, Carla L. Sanchez-Lafuente, Graziano Pinna, Lisa E. Kalynchuk, Hector J. Caruncho
Summary: Chronic stress is a significant risk factor for depression. Reelin protein can rapidly restore depressive-like behavior and neurochemical abnormalities induced by chronic stress through intravenous injections.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Emily R. Trunnell, Constanca Carvalho
Summary: Despite the prevalence of treatment-resistant depression, many pharmaceutical companies have abandoned the development of new antidepressants due to low quality preclinical tests, such as over-reliance on animal behavioral screens like the forced swim test (FST). A retrospective review found that out of 109 compounds tested in the FST, only 28% were explored for antidepressant effects in humans, and only three showed potential efficacy, but are not approved for treating depression. This suggests that the FST may not be a useful screening tool for identifying novel antidepressants.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Sun Dan-chen, Wang Ran-ran, Xu Hao, Zhu Xue-hui, Sun Yan, Qiao Shi-qing, Qiao Wei
Summary: This study investigated the pharmacodynamic material basis, mechanism of actions, and targeted diseases of Salicornia europaea L. (SE) using the network pharmacology method. Pharmacological experiments verified the antidepressant-like effect of SE extract and suggested that it may regulate the Nrf2-ARE pathway and increase levels of dopamine and corticosterone in the hippocampus and cortex.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Yixue Qin, Haoxuan Li, Yuqi Zhang, Jun-Li Cao, Wenxin Zhang, Hongxing Zhang
Summary: The addition of retigabine as an adjunctive treatment enhances the antidepressant effect of ketamine, allowing for a lower dose of ketamine to be effective in the forced swim test. Simultaneous administration of retigabine with ketamine significantly improves the duration and effectiveness of ketamine's antidepressant effect.
PHARMACOLOGY BIOCHEMISTRY AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christiane Brandwein, Cathalijn H. C. Leenaars, Laura Becker, Natascha Pfeiffer, Ana -Maria Iorgu, Melissa Hahn, Gaia A. Vairani, Lars Lewejohann, Andre Bleich, Anne S. Mallien, Peter Gass
Summary: This systematic mapping review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and commonly used set-ups of the Porsolt Forced Swim Test in rats. By offering detailed technical aspects and a list of existing publications, it enhances the reproducibility and comparability of this experiment, aiming to reduce animal usage and unnecessary replication.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mohammed H. Elkomy, Fatma I. Abo El-Ela, Randa Mohammed Zaki, Omar A. Alsaidan, Mohammed Elmowafy, Ameeduzzafar Zafar, Khaled Shalaby, Mohamed A. Abdelgawad, Hany A. Omar, Rania Salama, Hussein M. Eid
Summary: This study developed and optimized a drug-loaded thermosensitive gel for intranasal administration to combat depression. The results demonstrated that compared to other formulations, this thermosensitive gel significantly improved behavioral performance and alleviated neural tissue changes in depressed rats. Further research is needed to determine its effectiveness in humans.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Kowalczyk, Modestos Nakos-Bimpos, Alexia Polissidis, Christina Dalla, Nikolaos Kokras, Krystyna Skalicka-Wozniak, Barbara Budzynska
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the sex-dependent effects of imperatorin on antidepressant effects. The results showed that only males responded to imperatorin treatment and exhibited antidepressant effects, while serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex of females decreased. This suggests that imperatorin may have antidepressant potential, but only in males.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Banu Cahide Tel, Gokcen Telli, Sevgen Onder, Emirhan Nemutlu, Turgut Emrah Bozkurt
Summary: The study examined the effect of montelukast on depression-like behavior in mice and found that chronic treatment with montelukast was not associated with depression, but there was a confirmed association between asthma and depression. Further research is needed to understand the neuropsychiatric side effects of montelukast.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrizia Pignataro, Manuela Dicarlo, Clelia Suriano, Lorenzo Sanesi, Roberta Zerlotin, Giuseppina Storlino, Angela Oranger, Chiara Zecca, Maria Teresa Dell'Abate, Giorgio Mori, Maria Grano, Silvia Colucci, Graziana Colaianni
Summary: In a study, it was found that short-term subcutaneous administration of irisin can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, but without significant improvement in memory. This may be achieved by activating the Pgc-1a/FNDC5 system in the brain. Further research could lead to the identification of irisin as a new agent for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Dorota Nieoczym, Katarzyna Socala, Agnieszka Zelek-Molik, Mateusz Pierog, Katarzyna Przejczowska-Pomierny, Malgorzata Szafarz, Elzbieta Wyska, Irena Nalepa, Piotr Wlaz
Summary: Pterostilbene exhibits anticonvulsant effects in a PTZ-induced kindling mouse model, possibly mediated through increasing GABA concentrations and reducing mRNA expression of BDNF and TNF-alpha. It shows potential as a candidate for a new antiseizure drug.
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
A. G. Sartim, J. Marques, K. M. Silveira, P. H. Gobira, F. S. Guimaraes, G. Wegener, S. R. Joca
Summary: The study found that CBD can exhibit antidepressant effects without causing hyperactivity, and it can also inhibit the psychostimulant effects induced by ketamine. The combined administration of CBD and ketamine may be a promising therapeutic strategy for achieving antidepressant effects while reducing unwanted side effects.
Review
Neurosciences
Marc L. Molendijk, E. Ronald de Kloet
Summary: The immobility response in the forced swim test is not considered a rodent model of depression, but it can predict a compound's antidepressant potential to some extent. Despite some papers labeling immobility as depression-like behavior, the perspective on this issue varies among different countries.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Mareli Roets, Linda Brand, Stephan F. Steyn
Summary: During the peripartum period, women are at an increased risk of developing perinatal distress. Animal studies have shown that pregnancy can alter the bio-behavioural profile of rats, and postpartum stressors can exacerbate these effects. These findings suggest that pregnancy influences postpartum behaviour in a strain-dependent manner.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Kyle J. Brymer, Erin Y. Kulhaway, John G. Howland, Hector J. Caruncho, Lisa E. Kalynchuk
Summary: Repeated corticosterone injections in rats lead to cognitive deficits and depression-like behavior, highlighting the importance of considering cognitive impairments in assessing depression. Corticosterone significantly affects body weight, immobility in the forced swim test, startle amplitudes, and object recognition memory, suggesting a complex phenotype induced by chronic stress.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Gabriela Bielecka-Papierz, Anna Serefko, Aleksandra Szopa, Sylwia Talarek, Andrzej Wrobel, Bernadeta Szewczyk, Maria Radziwon-Zaleska, Malgorzata Koltun-Jasion, Ewa Poleszak
Summary: This study investigated the potential involvement of the L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathway in the development of sensitization to mephedrone-induced hyperlocomotion. The results showed that inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) effectively prevented this process, while non-selective inhibition of NOS may have a dual effect.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonia Thassya Lucas dos Santos, Joara Nalyda Pereira Carneiro, Rafael Pereira da Cruz, Debora Lima Sales, Jacqueline Cosmo Andrade-Pinheiro, Maria Audilene de Freitas, Marta Regina Kerntopf, Gyllyandeson de Araujo Delmondes, Paulo Riceli Vasconcelos Ribeiro, Edy Sousa de Brito, Francisco Lucas Alves Batista, Francisco Ernani Alves Magalhaes, Ivo Pita C. Neto, Maria Flaviana Bezerra Morais-Braga, Radoslaw Kowalski, Grazyna Kowalska, Aleksandra Szopa, Tomasz Baj, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho
Summary: The chemical composition of Spondias tuberosa aqueous leaf and root extracts (EALST and EARST) was identified using UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF analysis. The extracts showed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The combination of the extracts with fluconazole resulted in a reduction in the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) against certain strains of Candida albicans.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aleksandra Szopa, Mariola Herbet, Anna Pachuta-Stec, Joanna Lachowicz, Kamil Pawlowski, Magdalena Iwan, Dominika Jarecka-Florek, Oliwia Krasinska, Anna Serefko, Ewa Poleszak, Monika Pitucha
Summary: The aim of the studies was to evaluate the antiproliferative potential of new derivatives containing 4-nitrophenyl group against human tumor cell lines and its impact on developmental toxicity in zebrafish model. The results showed that APS-1 and APS-18 compounds reduced the viability of human tumor lines, with APS-18 showing strong and selective antiproliferative activity against all neoplastic cell lines, particularly glioblastoma. The fish embryo acute toxicity test demonstrated that APS-1 and APS-18 did not cause morphological abnormalities in zebrafish embryos, indicating their potential for further research and development of safer drugs with better anticancer properties.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adrianna Kondracka, Paulina Gil-Kulik, Bartosz Kondracki, Karolina Fraszczak, Anna Oniszczuk, Magda Rybak-Krzyszkowska, Jakub Staniczek, Anna Kwasniewska, Janusz Kocki
Summary: MicroRNAs are non-coding segments of RNA that modulate various biological processes. Their presence in biological fluids like blood, saliva, tears, and breast milk has raised interest in their potential impact on health and disease. Although hundreds of microRNAs have been found in breast milk, evidence on their function remains inconsistent. This scoping review aims to map the evidence on the occurrence, characterization techniques, and functional roles of microRNAs in breast milk. While methodological challenges need to be addressed, significant progress has been made in characterizing the microRNA profiles of human breast milk.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Urszula Doboszewska, Katarzyna Socala, Mateusz Pierog, Dorota Nieoczym, Jan Sawicki, Malgorzata Szafarz, Kinga Gawel, Anna Rafalo-Ulinska, Adam Sajnog, Elzbieta Wyska, Camila V. Esguerra, Bernadeta Szewczyk, Marzena Mackowiak, Danuta Baralkiewicz, Katarzyna Mlyniec, Gabriel Nowak, Ireneusz Sowa, Piotr Wlaz
Summary: This study found that TC-G 1008 exacerbated seizures and epileptogenesis, but its mechanism may not be solely through activating the GPR39 receptor. Therefore, activating GPR39 may not be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating epilepsy.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Ziolkiewicz, Kamila Kasprzak-Drozd, Robert Rusinek, Ewa Markut-Miotla, Anna Oniszczuk
Summary: Polyphenols have gained significant attention for their beneficial effects on health, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective activities. They have shown potential in preventing and treating atherosclerosis, mainly by being converted into bioactive substances by gut microbiota. This study explores the anti-atherosclerotic properties of polyphenols and sheds light on the link between dietary polyphenols, gut microbiota, and cardiovascular benefits.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Andres-Mach, Miroslaw Zagaja, Joanna Szala-Rycaj, Aleksandra Szewczyk, Michal Abram, Marcin Jakubiec, Katarzyna Ciepiela, Katarzyna Socala, Piotr Wlaz, Gniewomir Latacz, Nadia Khan, Krzysztof Kaminski
Summary: Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder with various syndromes and causes. Although antiseizure drugs can provide remission for 70% of patients, there is still a group of about 30% of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Therefore, there is a need to develop new and more effective antiseizure drugs. In this study, two analogs, KA-228 and KA-232, were designed and synthesized as structural modifications of the leading compound KA-11. KA-232, a water-soluble salt, showed distinct effectiveness and similar antiseizure protection as KA-11.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Zapala, Grzegorz Niemczyk, Piotr Zapala, Artur Wdowiak, Iwona Bojar, Tomasz Kluz, Aleksandra Szopa, Anna Serefko, Piotr Radziszewski, Andrzej Wrobel
Summary: This paper aimed to investigate whether the selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist ACEA could reverse the effects of corticosterone (CORT) on depressive and overactive bladder potential. Through experiments on 48 female rats, it was found that ACEA could restore CORT-induced bladder dysfunction and depressive behavior, as well as regulate urine and other biomarkers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mateusz Pierog, Katarzyna Socala, Dorota Nieoczym, Elzbieta Wyska, Malgorzata Samorek-Pierog, Piotr Wlaz
Summary: The properties of caproic (CA6) and lauric acids' (CA12) in standard chemical and electrical seizure tests were investigated. CA6 and CA12 increased seizure threshold in the 6 Hz seizure test, but CA6 had toxicity and side effects. Acute and chronic co-treatment with metformin and CA6/CA8 did not affect seizure thresholds, while acute co-administration of CA8 and metformin actually promoted seizures. The safety profile and risk/benefit ratio of combining medium-chain triglycerides ketogenic diet (MCT KD) and metformin in epileptic patients should be further evaluated.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Katarzyna Lisiecka, Agnieszka Wojtowicz, Katarzyna Samborska, Marcin Mitrus, Tomasz Oniszczuk, Maciej Combrzynski, Jakub Soja, Piotr Lewko, Kamila Kasprzak Drozd, Anna Oniszczuk
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the structure of novel potato-based snack foods supplemented with various levels of fresh carrot pulp. Different methods of extruded snack pellets expansion were used to obtain ready-to-eat crisps. The results showed that the expansion method affected the properties of the crisps, and deep-fat frying and microwave heating were recommended for producing attractive potato-carrot crisps.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aleksandra Zytek, Robert Rusinek, Anna Oniszczuk, Marek Gancarz
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the emission of organic volatile compounds from maize grain under simulated conditions in silos. The research used a gas chromatograph and an electronic nose with MOS sensors to analyze the compounds. The results showed the profile of volatile compounds over time and their relation to the consolidation level of the grain bed. The study also revealed the dynamic nature of maize quality degradation and the potential of electronic nose data for assessing stored material quality.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maciej Combrzynski, Tomasz Oniszczuk, Agnieszka Wojtowicz, Beata Biernacka, Karolina Wojtunik-Kulesza, Maciej Bakowski, Renata Rozylo, Jaroslaw Szponar, Jakub Soja, Anna Oniszczuk
Summary: As a new source of proteins, edible insects are potential additives in environmentally friendly food products. This study examined the effects of cricket flour on the composition, nutritional value, and physicochemical properties of snack pellets. Results showed that cricket flour significantly impacted the properties of the snack pellets, increasing protein and fiber content, as well as enhancing antioxidant activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandra Szopa, Mariola Herbet, Ewa Poleszak, Anna Serefko, Agnieszka Czylkowska, Iwona Piatkowska-Chmiel, Kamila Kasperek, Andrzej Wrobel, Paulina Prewencka, Bernadeta Szewczyk
Summary: The study evaluated the antidepressant-like effects of an IMI-Zn complex compound on mice and compared its efficacy with separate administration of imipramine and zinc. The results showed that the IMI-Zn complex exhibited dose-dependent antidepressant potential similar to individual treatments of imipramine and zinc. The study also found that acute stress did not significantly affect oxidative stress parameters. Developing the IMI-Zn complex could simplify treatment and improve patient compliance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Urszula Doboszewska, Wolfgang Maret, Piotr Wlaz
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)