Altered task modulation of global signal topography in the default-mode network of unmedicated major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Altered global signal (GS) topography features in the resting-state fMRI of major depressive disorder (MDD), showing abnormally strong global signal representation in the default-mode network (DMN). Whether the abnormal local to global change also shapes activity during task states, and how it relates to psychopathological symptoms, e.g., abnormally slow time speed of motor, cognitive, and affective symptoms, remains unknown. METHODS: We investigated fMRI-based GS with its topographical representation during task states in unmedicated 51 MDD subjects and 28 healthy subjects. Task-related global signal correlation (GSCORR) was probed by a novel paradigm testing the processing of negative/neutral emotions during different time speeds, i.e., slow and fast. RESULTS: We observed a significant interaction between time speed and emotion of GSCORR in various DMN regions in healthy subjects. Next, we showed that MDD exhibits reduced task-related GSCORR in various DMN regions during specifically the fast processing of negative emotions. Finally, we demonstrated that GSCORR in DMN and other brain regions (motor-related regions, inferior frontal cortex) correlated with the degree of psychomotor retardation especially during the fast emotional stimuli. LIMITATIONS: The measurement of interoceptive variables like respiration rate or heart rate were not included in our fMRI acquisition. CONCLUSION: Together, we demonstrated the functional relevance of GS topography by showing reduced GSCORR in DMN during specifically the fast processing of negative emotions in MDD, suggesting the abnormal slowness, i.e., reduced time speed, to be a key feature of both brain and symptoms in MDD.

Antidepressant-like and anti-oxidative efficacy of Campsis grandiflora flower.

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like effect of ethyl acetate extract of the flowers of Campsis grandiflora (EFCG) in a mice model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). METHODS: HPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to identify the chemical constituents of EFCG. The DPPH assay and ABTS radical-scavenging assay were performed to measure the antioxidant properties. The protective properties of EFCG against H2 O2 -induced oxidative damage were analysed in PC12 cells. The changes of behaviour profiles were investigated by using open-field test, sucrose preference test, forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Brain tissue samples of mice were collected, and antioxidative measure levels were measured. KEY FINDINGS: The result showed that EFCG had the most active anti-oxidative effect and the protective effect against H2 O2 oxidative injury in PC12 cells. Treatment with the EFCG significantly reduced the depressant-like severity and immobility period as compared with untreated CUMS mice in FST and TST. Moreover, EFCG significantly elevated the contents of superoxide dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase and decreased the contents of Malonaldehyde (MDA) in mice brain. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found first the antidepressant activity of the EFCG. The results suggested the therapeutic potential of EFCG for depressive disorder.

Glucose-insulin-potassium therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) has been advocated in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to reduce ischemia-related arrhythmias and myocardial injury. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess whether the use of GIK infusions >3 or <3 hours after the onset of symptoms reduce mortality or cardiac arrest. METHODS: Electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and references of retrieved articles were searched for RCTs evaluating the effect of GIK infusions, <3 hours or >3 hours after the onset of symptoms, on mortality and/or cardiac arrest. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each outcome. RESULTS: Nine trials were identified and eligible for review. The summary OR for in-hospital mortality was 1.01 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.09), based on 2,542 deaths among 27,294 patients. The subgroup analysis according to the study enrollment time (within 3 hours [OR, 0.77, 95% CI 0.50-1.16], vs. >3 hours [OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.67-1.21]) did not reveal any difference in mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of GIK in ACS patients does not significantly reduce mortality whether or not GIK administration >3 or <3 hours after the onset of symptoms.

[Expressional changes of neuregulin-1 gene mRNA in peripheral blood from schizophrenia patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of anti-psychotic treatment on the expression of Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) mRNA in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of schizophrenia patients. METHODS: The NRG1 mRNA in peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured using semi-quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR in 80 first-onset schizophrenia patients, 37 sibling controls and 83 non-related controls. The patients were treated with risperdone and quetiapine for 4 weeks. Positive and negative symptom scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the severity and clinical efficacy. RESULTS: Prior to the treatment, the expression of NRG1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in patients than other two groups (F=73.004, P=0.000). From the second week on, the level of NRG1 mRNA expression in patients became significantly higher than before and gradually increased, whilst no significant difference between sib and non-sib controls. Prior to the treatment, there was significant correlation (r=-0.232, P=0.038) between the level of NRG1 mRNA and PANSS scores. Four weeks after the treatment, a significant correlation between the reduction rate of PANSS and the change of NRG1 mRNA (r=0.27, P=0.016). CONCLUSION: The expression of NRG1 gene mRNA is associated with schizophrenia. Decreased expression of NRG1 may play a role in the development of schizophrenia, which can be improved by anti-psychotic drugs.