Husband-wife Relationship, Neonatal Health, Breast Milk Volume and Postpartum Depression: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health problem that has negative effects on mothers, infants, and society. This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of PPD and elucidating the delivery factors implicated in PPD so as take more targeted measures for reducing the potential risk factors. A prospective cohort study was conducted. Following the criterion, 151 pregnant women were included in the study. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and the general questionnaire were filled out 2-3 days after delivery. At weeks 2 and 6 postpartum, the EPDS was reassessed either online or via telephone. Also, electronic medical records based on relevant information during the delivery period were collected. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. A high rate of PPD (31.13%) was reported. Univariate correlation analysis showed statistically significant differences in the husband-wife relationship (χ2 = 18.497, p < 0.001), neonatal health (χ2 = 14.710, p < 0.001), and breast milk volume (χ2 = 5.712, p = 0.017) between PPD and normal control groups. Adjusting for other covariates, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that satisfactory conjugal relation could reduce the risk of PPD (OR, 0.053; p = 0.022); Neonatal health problems significantly increase the risk of PPD (OR, 6.497; p = 0.001); Adequate breast milk could alleviate the risk of PPD (OR, 0.351; P = 0.045). Data analysis suggests that marital discord and unhealthy new-born are independent risk factors; nevertheless, sufficient breast milk is a protective factor against PPD. Healthcare workers such as hospital and community doctors and social workers should pay attention to PPD. Furthermore, perinatal emotional support, health education, and EPDS assessment need to be incorporated into maternity care. Screening and personalized psychological counselling should be carried out for high-risk pregnant women with PPD.

Defects of parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the ventral dentate gyrus region are implicated depression-like behavior in mice.

Depression is an increasingly common but extremely serve mood disorder that remains poorly understood and inadequately treated. Fast-spiking parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVIs), a subpopulation of GABAergic interneurons (GABA, g-aminobutyric acid), exhibit a widespread distribution throughout the hippocampus, and has been reported to play an important role in a variety of mental disorders. However, the relationship between depression and hippocampal PVIs remains unclear. Here in this present study, a series of experiments were conducted to clarify the potential relationship. Here, chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection were introduced to induce depression-like behavior in mice, and led to a clear decline in PVIs numbers in the ventral hippocampal (vHPC), particularly in the ventral dentate gyrus (vDG) subfield. After a selectively removal of the PVIs in PV-ires-Cre::Ai14 mice, we confirmed that ablation of PVIs from the vDG induced depression-like behavior. Furthermore, we found that the removal of vDG-PVIs induced depression likely to be accounted for upregulation of neuroinflammation. These findings facilitate us better understand the role of hippocampal PVIs in depression.

Coagulation Index and Pregnancy Outcome in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the coagulation status of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients in combination with glucose levels and screen out indicators closely related to the severity of GDM and adverse pregnancy outcome. METHODS: The subjects of 110 GDM patients and 100 normal pregnant women were randomly selected. The results of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer (D-D), and plaque level test (PLT) in GDM patients and normal pregnant women (comparison group) were analyzed. The study screened out the coagulation indexes of GDM closely related to FPG and then analyzed the correlation between indexes and adverse prognosis. RESULTS: The results of PT were significantly lower in the GDM group. The PT was related to the severity of GDM and adverse pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The PT levels of GDM patients in the third trimester can be used as a reliable index for disease and prognosis evaluation.

Establishment of clinical diagnostic models using glucose, lipid, and urinary polypeptides in gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has many adverse outcomes that seriously threaten the short-term and long-term health of mothers and infants. This study comprehensively analyzed the clinical diagnostic value of GDM-related clinical indexes and urine polypeptide research results, and established comprehensive index diagnostic models. METHODS: In this study, diagnostic values from the clinical indexes of serum triglyceride (TRIG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and 7 GDM-related urinary polypeptides were analyzed retrospectively. The multiple logistic regression equation, multilayer perceptron neural network model, radial basis function, and discriminant analysis function models of GDM-related indexes were established using machine language. RESULTS: The results showed that HbA1c had the highest diagnostic value for GDM, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.769. When the cut-off value was 4.95, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 70.5% and 70.0%, respectively. Among the seven GDM-related urinary polypeptides, human hemopexin (HEMO) had the highest diagnostic value, with an AUC of 0.690. When the cut-off value was 368.5, the sensitivity and specificity were 79.5% and 43.3%, respectively. The AUC of the multilayer perceptron neural network model was 0.942, followed by binary logistic regression (0.938), radial basis function model (0.909), and the discriminant analysis function model (0.908). CONCLUSION: The establishment of a GDM diagnostic model combining blood glucose, blood lipid, and urine polypeptide indexes can lay a foundation for exploring machine language and artificial intelligence in diagnostic systems.

Effect of Cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1) Polymorphism on Lipid Responses to Simvastatin Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Identifying patients with high risk of low response to statin therapy is important for optimization of lipid-lowering therapy. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, a rate-limiting enzyme encoded by cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1) gene, is considered to be associated with statin efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the association between a novel CYP7A1 single nucleotide polymorphism rs3824260 and statin treatment response for hypercholesteremic patients in Chinese Han population. METHODS: A total of 336 subjects were prescribed with simvastatin for 12 weeks after enrollment. Plasma lipid parameters were measured at enrollment and after 12-week simvastatin treatment separately. Subjects were classified into high- and low-response groups depending on their total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and TG changes and increase or reduction groups according to their high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels changing after simvastatin treatment. The CYP7A1 rs3824260 was genotyped from blood samples with a SNaPshot assay. RESULTS: At baseline, the LDL-C level and TG level were significantly higher in the AA genotype, while the HDL-C level was significantly higher in the GG genotype of CYP7A1 rs3824260. Patients carrying AA genotype are at an increased risk of low response for LDL-C reduction (odds ratio = 2.295, 95% confidence interval = 1.164-4.524, P = 0.016). Furthermore, the GG genotype of rs3824260 was significantly associated with a high risk of HDL-C reduction response after simvastatin therapy (odds ratio = 2.240, 95% confidence interval = 1.137-4.413, P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The CYP7A1 gene polymorphism rs3824260 is related to inappropriate response of simvastatin treatment for hypercholesterolemia patients in Chinese Han population.

Combinational Pretreatment of Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor Inhibitor and Triptolide Upregulates BDNF-Akt and Autophagic Pathways to Improve Cerebral Ischemia.

Ki20227, a selective inhibitor of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), has been suggested to regulate microglia inflammatory function and neuronal synaptic plasticity. Triptolide (TP) pretreatment has neuroprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic features in ischemic stroke mice. However, the underlying mechanism and pathway are presently unclear. We thus investigated the association between neuroprotective effects of combined TP and Ki20227 and BDNF-Akt and autophagy pathways. Ki20227 was administrated for 7 days, and TP was administered once 24 hours prior to building the ischemic stroke model in C57BL/6 mice. Behavioral tests, Golgi staining, immunofluorescence, and western blot analyses were employed to examine neuroprotective effects of TP and Ki20227. TP and Ki20227 pretreatments improved the neurobehavioral function in stroke mice. Synaptic protein expressions and density of dendritic spine density were upregulated in Ki20227 and TP pretreated stroke mice. Further, optimized integration of TP and Ki20227 pretreatments upregulated the NeuN expression and downregulated Iba1 expression after stroke. In addition, both TP and Ki20227 pretreatments significantly upregulated BDNF, p-Akt/Akt, and Erk1/2 protein expressions and autophagy related proteins (LC3II/I, Atg5, and p62), indicating the activation of BDNF and autophagic pathways. Optimized integration of TP and Ki20227 can improve cerebral ischemia by inhibiting CSF1R signal and trigger autophagy and BDNF-Akt signaling pathways to increase dendritic spine density and synaptic protein expressions, which in turn enhances neurobehavioral function.

Progesterone and fluoxetine treatments of postpartum depressive-like behavior in rat model.

Research studies have indicated that alterations in plasma progesterone levels might be associated with the hippocampal synaptic plasticity of postpartum depressive-like behavior. Herein, we assess both progesterone and fluoxetine effects in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats with postpartum depressive-like behavior. Depressive-like behavior of postpartum rats was established using chronic ultra-mild stress (CUMS) method for 1 week from gestation day 15. Postpartum rats that showed depressive-like behavior were treated with either progesterone (subcutaneously, 0.5 mg/kg) from gestation day 17 to gestation day 22 or fluoxetine (by gavage, 10 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks after birth. Open field and sucrose preference tests were conducted at the start, week 2 and week 4 postpartum. Golgi staining, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses of rats' hippocampi were conducted on week 4 postpartum. Results showed CUMS increases depressive-like behavior, however, treatment with progesterone and fluoxetine improves this behavior. Both progesterone and fluoxetine treatments increase the numbers of dendritic spines pyramidal neurons in the CA3 region of the hippocampus as well as protein expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and synaptophysin (SYP). CUMS-induced decrement of MAP-2 and SYP protein expressions can be prevented by treatment with progesterone in advanced pregnant stage and fluoxetine in the postpartum period.

Stimulation of Anxiety-Like Behavior via ERK Pathway by Competitive Serotonin Receptors 2A and 1A in Post-Traumatic Stress Disordered Mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Serotonin 5HT2A and 5HT1A receptors (5HT2AR, 5HT1AR) have the closest connection to anxiety-like behavior in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we explored the connection between 5HT2A and 5HT1A receptors and anxiety-like behavior. METHODS: In the PTSD animal model, mice were exposed to conditioned fear stress coupled with single-prolonged stress (CF+SPS). Post stress infliction and behavioral tests, of which include open field, freezing behavior and elevated plus maze tests were carried out to examine establishment of the proposed model. Both Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence labeling were used to evaluate protein expressions of 5HT2AR, 5HT1AR, ERK1, ERK2 and c-Myc in the hippocampi of the mice and RT Q-PCR was employed for evaluation of the relative mRNA expressions. RESULTS: Based on the model established utilizing the CF+SPS procedure, we found 5HT2AR to play a positive role on anxiety-like behavior by inhibiting the expression of 5HT1AR. In addition, the ERK-c-Myc pathway elicited the effect of 5HT2AR and 5HT1AR on anxiety-like behavior in PTSD, 5-HT enhanced the anxiety-like behavior through both 5HT2AR and 5HT1AR. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest competive interaction between 5HT2AR and 5HT1AR actively affects anxiety-like behavior in the hippocampi of PTSD mice via the ERK pathway.

Improved Neural Regeneration with Olfactory Ensheathing Cell Inoculated PLGA Scaffolds in Spinal Cord Injury Adult Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Every year, around the world, between 250000 and 500000 people suffer from spinal cord injury (SCI). This study investigated the potential for poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) complex inoculated with olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) to treat spinal cord injury in a rat model. METHODS: OECs were identified by immunofluorescence based on the nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) p75. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score, together with an inclined plane (IP) test were used to detect functional recovery. Nissl staining along with the luxol fast blue (LFB) staining were independently employed to illustrate morphological alterations. More so, immunofluorescence labeling of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2), representing astrocytes and neurons respectively, were investigated at time points of weeks 2 and 8 post-operation. RESULTS: The findings showed enhanced locomotor recovery, axon myelination and better protected neurons post SCI when compared with either PLGA or untreated groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PLGA complexes inoculated with OECs improve locomotor functional recovery in transected spinal cord injured rat models, which is most likely due to the fact it is conducive to a relatively benevolent microenvironment, has nerve protective effects, as well as the ability to enhance remyelination, via a promotion of cell differentiation and inhibition of astrocyte formation.

The post-therapeutic effect of rapamycin in mild traumatic brain-injured rats ensuing in the upregulation of autophagy and mitophagy.

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), common in juveniles, has been reported to be caused by sports-related concussion. Many young children may suffer from post-concussion syndrome. mTBI, in early stages of life, could play a part in neuron apoptosis and degeneration, cognitive and motor coordination impairment, as well as dementia. Our study was aimed at further investigating the post-therapeutic efficacy of rapamycin in the recuperation of mTBI while at the same time investigating the metamorphosis in both autophagy and mitophagy in mTBI. We created a weight-drop rat mTBI model with the administration of rapamycin at 4 h after every mTBI. Behavioral tests of beam walking and open field task indicated the expected improvement of cognitive and motor coordination functions. Both Western blot and immunofluorescence examinations revealed increased Beclin-1 and PINK1 in the treated rats as well as reduction of caspase-3 and cytochrome C (Cyt C). More so, the TUNEL staining evidenced curtailment of apoptotic cells following treatment with rapamycin. The upregulation of Beclin-1 and PINK1 and the downregulation of caspase-3 and Cyt C extrapolate that rapamycin plays neuroprotective as well as anti-apoptotic role via interposition of both autophagy and mitophagy.

Lucky gene 5-HTTLPR and postpartum depression: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) should be given more attention for its increasing incidences, severe complications and complex pathogenesis. Previous studies of PPD have mainly been focused on the social contributions to its etiology such as age, marriage and economic status, whilst less attention has been given to inner biological factors. Currently, emerging researches have endeavored to explore 5-HTT related pathogenesis of PPD. OBJECTIVE: This report was aimed at proffering updates on some research advancements in the field of PPD through the reviewing published papers concerning postpartum depression, with prime focus on the role of 5-HTT. SEARCH STRATEGY: This review report dug into articles containing both PPD and 5-HTTLPR. Web of Science, Pubmed and CNKI (National Knowledge Infrastructure) were employed for searching relevant publications. SELECTION CRITERIA: There was a strong association between 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and the pathogenesis of PPD, with established evidence showing that L allele (Long allele) in 5-HTTLPR was associated with reduced susceptibility to PPD. LIMITATIONS: All things considered, sufficient clinical experiments are needed to ascertain the feasibility of our theoretical statements. In addition, relevant articles are comparatively scarce presently.

Autophagy upregulation and apoptosis downregulation in DAHP and triptolide treated cerebral ischemia.

It has previously been demonstrated that ischemic stroke activates autophagy pathways; however, the mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study is to further investigate the role that autophagy plays in cerebral ischemia. 2, 4-diamino-6-hydroxy-pyrimidine (DAHP), for its nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibiting neuroprotective effect, and triptolide (TP), for its anti-inflammatory property, were selected to administer pre middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The drugs were administered 12 hours prior to MCAO. Both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining showed that the drugs reduce the area of infarction. Immunoblotting analysis revealed increases in Beclin-1 and myeloid cell leukelia-1(Mcl-1) in treated rats. This could be a contributing factor to the reduction in autophagy induced damage. Immunochemistry and western blot showed that mTOR expression in treated rats was marginally different 24 h after injury, and this could also be significant in the mechanism. Furthermore, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase- (TdT-) mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining proved that the drugs are effective in reducing apoptosis. The upregulation of Beclin-1 and Mcl-1 and downregulation of Bcl-2, caspase-3, and the Bcl-2/Beclin-1 ratio infer that the neuroprotective effect of DAHP and TP act via the mediation of autophagy and apoptosis pathways.

The RHOX homeodomain proteins regulate the expression of insulin and other metabolic regulators in the testis.

Defects in cellular metabolism have been widely implicated in causing male infertility, but there has been little progress in understanding the underlying mechanism. Here we report that several key metabolism genes are regulated in the testis by Rhox5, the founding member of a large X-linked homeobox gene cluster. Among these Rhox5-regulated genes are insulin 2 (Ins2), resistin (Retn), and adiponectin (Adipoq), all of which encode secreted proteins that have profound and wide-ranging effects on cellular metabolism. The ability of Rhox5 to regulate their levels in the testis has the potential to dictate metabolism locally in this organ, given the existence of the blood-testes barrier. We demonstrate that Ins2 is a direct target of Rhox5 in Sertoli cells, and we show that this regulation is physiologically significant, because Rhox5-null mice fail to up-regulate Ins2 expression during the first wave of spermatogenesis and have insulin-signaling defects. We identify other Rhox family members that induce Ins2 transcription, define protein domains and homeodomain amino acid residues crucial for this property, and demonstrate that this regulation is conserved. Rhox5-null mice also exhibit altered expression of other metabolism genes, including those encoding the master transcriptional regulators of metabolism, PPARG and PPARGC1A, as well as SCD1, the rate-limiting enzyme for fatty acid metabolism. These results, coupled with the known roles of RHOX5 and its target metabolism genes in spermatogenesis in vivo, lead us to propose a model in which RHOX5 is a central transcription factor that promotes the survival of male germ cells via its effects on cellular metabolism.

Mifepristone: a potential clinical agent based on its anti-progesterone and anti-glucocorticoid properties.

Nowadays, unwanted pregnancy is a major globe tragedy for millions of women, associated with significant direct and indirect costs, no matter for individuals or society. The progesterone receptor antagonist steroid, mifepristone has been widely and effectively using throughout the world for medical abortion, but to a lesser extent for emergency contraception. In this review, we hope to explore the role of mifepristone as a contraceptive, particularly for emergency contraception. Studies of mifepristone have also been expanding to the fields of endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Furthermore, this initially considered reproductive medicine has been investigated in some psychotic diseases and various disorders of hypercortisolism, because of its glucocorticoid receptor antagonism. Mifepristone was approved suitable for patients with hyperglycemia secondary to Cushing's syndrome by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012. The aim of this article is to review published reports on the anti-progesterone and anti-glucocorticoid properties of mifepristone as a clinical agent. There is a new insight into systematically describing and evaluating the potential efficiency of mifepristone administrated in the field of endocrine and neuroendocrine, not only in obstetrics and gynecology.

Systematic hypothesis for post-stroke depression caused inflammation and neurotransmission and resultant on possible treatments.

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent complex psychiatric disorder that causes delay to functional recovery from rehabilitation and also increases cognitive impairment. The etiology of PSD remains controversial and appears to be physical and psycho-social in origin, alone or in combination. The causes of PSD as well as the mechanisms conferring beneficial antidepressant effects in the context of ischemic brain injury are still unknown. In addition, appropriate treatment strategies for therapy to prevent stroke-induced depression-like behavior remain to be developed. This paper, therefore, proposes two hypotheses for post-stroke depression: The inflammatory hypothesis, which is the increased production of proinflammatory cytokines resulting from brain ischemia in cerebral areas causing the pathogenesis of post-stroke depression and the glutamate hypothesis, where the excess glucocorticoids released from stress-induced over-activation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) lead to dysfunction of glutamatergic transmission. Neurotrophins, especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) both play various roles in the central nervous system (CNS), attenuate apoptosis in cultured neurons, stimulate neurogenesis and increase survival and protect neuronal tissues from cell death induced by ischemia or depression. We also touch upon recent treatment strategies including inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, SSRI, neurotrophins and cell-based therapies. In the present review, we provide an overview of recent evidence concerning the mechanisms of post-stroke depression and propose four prospective treatment strategies so as to provide references for clinical evidence-based medications.

Precise arraying of perovskite single crystals through droplet-assisted self-alignment.

Patterned arrays of perovskite single crystals can avoid signal cross-talk in optoelectronic devices, while precise crystal distribution plays a crucial role in enhancing device performance and uniformity, optimizing photoelectric characteristics, and improving optical management. Here, we report a strategy of droplet-assisted self-alignment to precisely assemble the perovskite single-crystal arrays (PSCAs). High-quality single-crystal arrays of hybrid methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) and methylammonium lead chloride (MAPbCl3), and cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) can be precipitated under a formic acid vapor environment. The crystals floated within the suspended droplets undergo movement and rotation for precise alignment. The strategy allows us to deposit PSCAs with a pixel size range from 200 to 500 micrometers on diverse substrates, including indium tin oxide, glass, quartz, and poly(dimethylsiloxane), and the area can reach up to 10 centimeters by 10 centimeters. The PSCAs exhibit excellent photodetector performance with a large responsivity of 24 amperes per watt.

Dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of an ανß3 integrin-binding peptide.

Previous studies have shown that prevention of leukocyte infiltration by targeting integrins involved in transendothelial migration may suppress the clinical and pathological features of neuroinflammatory disease. This study was designed to investigate the effects of C16, an ανß3 integrin-binding peptide, in an acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) rat model. Multiple histological and immunohistochemical staining, electron microscopy observation, ELISA assay, Western blot, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were employed to assess the degree of inflammation, axonal loss, neuronal apoptosis, white matter demyelination, and extent of gliosis in the brain and spinal cord of differently treated EAE models. The results showed that C16 treatment could inhibit extensive leukocyte and macrophage accumulation and infiltration and reduce cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression levels. A significantly lower clinical score at the peak time of disease was also demonstrated in the C16 treated group. Moreover, astrogliosis, demyelination, neuronal death, and axonal loss were all alleviated in C16 treated EAE animals, which may be attributed to the improvement of microenvironment. The data suggests that C16 peptide may act as a protective agent by attenuating inflammatory progression and thus affecting the expression of some proinflammatory cytokines during neuroinflammatory disease.

Resveratrol alleviates postpartum depression-like behavior by activating autophagy via SIRT1 and inhibiting AKT/mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) causes maternal mortality, and has a high disability rate. In recent years, studies have suggested the Sirt1 gene to be involved in the pathogenesis of depression. Resveratrol (RSV), an activator of Sirt1, has been investigated in depressive behavior. However, its effect on PPD remains to be thoroughly elucidated. METHODS: We employed a mice model with bilateral oophorectomy combined with hormone-simulated pregnancy to assess postpartum depression-like behavior. The behavioral tests were performed 2 days after the withdrawal of estradiol benzoate. RSV was administered subcutaneously to the PPD model mice. Several behavioral tests were executed, including the open field test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test. Western blot analyses and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate protein expression levels of SIRT1, autophagy markers, and the AKT/mTOR. RESULTS: Postpartum depressive-like behavior was triggered following the withdrawal of estradiol benzoate after hormone-stimulated-pregnancy. RSV improved postpartum depressive-like behavior of mice via its upregulation of the SIRT1 and autophagy markers, such as Beclin1, ATG5 and LC3B. Also, the downregulation of the p62 protein expression was observed. More importantly, we also detected the inhibition of phosphorylated AKT and mTOR in the hippocampus of postpartum depressive-like mice. CONCLUSION: RSV could alleviate postpartum depression-like behavior in mice by stimulating the SIRT1, induce autophagy and inhibit the AKT/ mTOR signaling pathway.

Triptolide down-regulates COX-2 expression and PGE2 release by suppressing the activity of NF-κB and MAP kinases in lipopolysaccharide-treated PC12 cells.

As an active compound extracted from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii, triptolide (TP) was demonstrated to have potent antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive properties in previous studies. Recently, it has been shown that TP prevented the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of rats in a model of Parkinson's disease, but little is known about the precise neuroprotective mechanism of TP. This study was designed to elucidate whether the neuroprotective effect of TP is partially based on its direct inhibition of inflammatory molecules by investigating the effects of TP on the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) related to the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PC12 cells. The activation of related upstream molecules such as NF-κB, P38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and beta-alanyl-alpha-ketoglutarate transaminase (AKT), in PC12 cells were investigated by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results showed that TP directly inhibited the expression of both mRNA and protein of COX-2 (p < 0.01), decreased PGE2 production (p < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner, down-regulated NF-κB activity (p < 0.01), and significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2 (p42/p44) and AKT in PC12 cells after LPS challenge. This suggests that the neuroprotective effects of TP may be partially mediated by direct inhibition of the expression of COX-2, activation of NF-κB, and phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2 (p42/p44) and AKT proteins of neuronal cells.

Thymoquinone has a synergistic effect with PHD inhibitors to ameliorate ischemic brain damage in mice.

BACKGROUND: A blockage in a blood vessel can cause reduced blood flow to the brain, which eventually leads to the death of surrounding tissue. Several studies have attempted to develop an effective intervention to reverse this process and improve the health status of affected individuals. Due to its indirect effect on cellular functions and metabolism, the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) protein has been proposed as a promising transcription factor in the treatment of stroke. PURPOSE: The current study aims to explore the relation between HIF-1 α and thymoquinone (TQ) in the attenuation of ischemic brain damage and the possible mechanism of this relation to reduce cell death. METHODS: For this purpose, dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG), 8 mg/kg, Acriflavine (ACF), 1.5 mg/kg, and both combined with TQ (5 mg/kg) were assessed. Male C57 mice were used to establish an ischemic stroke model by using endothelin-1 (ET-1) (400 pmole/µl) intra- cranial injection. The ultrastructure alterations of neuronal soma, axons, and mitochondria after stroke and treatment were well addressed. Besides, the expression levels of VEGF, HIF-1α, Nrf2, and HO-1 were evaluated. Meanwhile, apoptosis and autophagy-related proteins were also investigated. RESULTS: Treatment of ischemic stroke by TQ can activate the HIF-1α pathway and its downstream genes such as VEGF, TrkB, and PI3K, which in turn enhance angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Our study revealed that TQ has the same effect as DMOG to activate HIF-1 α and can improve motor dysfunction after ischemic stroke. Further, we demonstrated that both TQ and DMOG effectively attenuate the organelle's damage following ischemic stroke, which was confirmed by the cryogenic transmission electron microscope. The synergistic effect of TQ and DMOG may lead to a chemo-modulation action in the autophagy process after stroke onset and this result is validated by the western blot and rt-qPCR techniques. CONCLUSION: Our finding revealed the potential role of TQ as a HIF-1 α activator to reduce cell death, modulate autophagy and decrease the infarct volume after ischemic stroke onset. The neuroprotective effect of TQ is achieved by decreasing the inflammation and increasing angiogenesis as well as neurogenesis via induction of the HIF-1α-VEGF/Nrf2-HO-1-TrkB-PI3K pathway.