Effects of five-element acupuncture on clinical symptoms, brain metabolism and immunoglobulin levels in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of five-element acupuncture on clinical symptoms, brain metabolism and immunoglobulin level in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.Methods:It was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 94 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method, with 47 in each group. The conventional western medicine group was treated with conventional western medicine, and the five-element acupuncture group was treated with five-element acupuncture on the basis of the conventional western medicine group. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the serum levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), corticosterone (CORT), IL-2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were detected by ELISA; the levels of natural killer (NK) cells, CD4 +, CD8 +, IgG and IgM were detected by flow cytometry; the whole body superconducting MRI scanner was used to scan T2 Flair, T2WI and TlWI sequences of the hippocampus, and the spectral curves and the areas under the peak of N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA), creatine (Cr) and choline (Cho) were obtained, and the ratios of Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr were calculated. the fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used to evaluate the fatigue state of the patients, and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the anxiety state of the patients. Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Somatic and Mental Health Report Score (SPHERE) were used to evaluate the quality of life of patients. And the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results:After treatment, the levels of IgG, CD4 + and NK in the five-element acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 4.76, 3.65, 6.42, respectively, P<0.01), and the level of IgM, CD8 + was significantly lower than that in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 7.30, 4.79, P<0.01); the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and 5-HT in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 7.60, 4.05, 2.79, respectively, respectively, P<0.01), and the level of CORT was significantly lower than that in the conventional western medicine group ( t=6.72, P<0.01); the NAA/Cr levels in the left [(1.10±0.04) vs. (1.05±0.03), t=6.86] and right [(1.18±0.02) vs. (1.21±0.03), t=8.23] hippocampus of the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( P<0.01), and the Cho/Cr levels in the left [(1.08±0.04) vs. (1.03±0.03), t=5.70] and right [(1.17±0.02) vs. (1.20±0.03), t=5.71] hippocampus of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the conventional western medicine group ( P<0.01). After treatment, the scores of physical fatigue, mental fatigue and FSS in the five-element acupuncture group were significantly lower than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 8.08, 9.08 and 7.07, respectively, P<0.01). The scores of DASS-21, BAI, SCL-90 and SPHERE in the conventional western medicine group were significantly lower than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 3.63, 5.77, 8.74, 5.92, respectively, P<0.01).The total effective rate was 95.74% (45/47) in the five-element acupuncture group and 82.98% (39/47) in the conventional western medicine group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=2.80, P=0.094). Conclusion:Five-elements acupuncture can improve the expression of T lymphocytes, increase the levels of immunoglobulin and NK, reduce the level of CORT, regulate the brain metabolism of NAA in the left and right hippocampus, improve the clinical symptoms and negative emotions, and improve the clinical efficacy and quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Impact of doula's continuous support on serotonin release in parturients: a pilot randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: To evaluate whether the continuous support provided by doulas influences the endogenous release of serotonin in parturients. Methods: This pilot study included 24 primigravidae at term. Of these, 12 women received continuous doula support (Experimental Group), whereas the other 12 received the usual assistance without doula support (Control Group). Blood samples were collected from all the women at the active and expulsion stages of labor and at the fourth period of labor (Greenberg period) for evaluation of their serotonin levels using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The average serotonin concentrations in the control and experimental groups were respectively 159.33 and 150.02 ng/mL at the active stage, 179.13 and 162.65 ng/mL at the expulsion stage, and 198.94 and 221.21 ng/mL at the Greenberg period. There were no statistically significant differences in serotonin concentrations between the two groups at the active and expulsion stages of labor. By contrast, within the experimental group, a significant increase in serotonin concentration was observed in the Greenberg period compared with the levels in the active and expulsion stages (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The novelty of this study relies on the ability to correlate the influence of the continuous support offered by doulas with the release of serotonin in parturients, with the results suggesting that the assistance received during labor can modulate the levels of hormone release in the Greenberg period. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-4zjjm4h

High-fat diet, microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, and anxiety-like behavior in male rats

Obesity, associated with the intake of a high-fat diet (HFD), and anxiety are common among those living in modern urban societies. Recent studies suggest a role of microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, including a role for brain serotonergic systems in the relationship between HFD and anxiety. Evidence suggests the gut microbiome and the serotonergic brain system together may play an important role in this response. Here we conducted a nine-week HFD protocol in male rats, followed by an analysis of the gut microbiome diversity and community composition, brainstem serotonergic gene expression (tph2, htr1a, and slc6a4), and anxiety-related defensive behavioral responses. We show that HFD intake decreased alpha diversity and altered the community composition of the gut microbiome in association with obesity, increased brainstem tph2, htr1a and slc6a4 mRNA expression, including in the caudal part of the dorsomedial dorsal raphe nucleus (cDRD), a subregion previously associated with stress- and anxiety-related behavioral responses, and, finally, increased anxiety-related defensive behavioral responses. The HFD increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio relative to control diet, as well as higher relative abundances of Blautia, and decreases in Prevotella. We found that tph2, htr1a and slc6a4 mRNA expression were increased in subregions of the dorsal raphe nucleus in the HFD, relative to control diet. Specific bacterial taxa were associated with increased serotonergic gene expression in the cDRD. Thus, we propose that HFD-induced obesity is associated with altered microbiome-gut-serotonergic brain axis signaling, leading to increased anxiety-related defensive behavioral responses in rats.

Síndrome serotoninérgico inducido por ayahuasca: a propósito de un caso

El síndrome serotoninérgico es un conjunto de signos y síntomas generados por hiperactividad serotoninérgica, caracterizado principalmente por alteración del sistema nervioso central. La medicina tradicional, históricamente utiliza herbales con fines curativos y religiosos que podrían tener efectos sobre el sistema serotoninérgico, receptores de dopamina, glutamato y noradrenalina, en este contexto se menciona la ayahuasca o "yagé" como un brebaje con potencial psicoactivo que por lo general se relaciona con síntomas psicóticos. En esta ocasión presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente con síndrome serotoninérgico posterior al consumo por primera vez de ayahuasca en un ritual indígena. Se trata de una paciente femenina de 31 años quien por primera vez ingirió yagé y en cantidad desconocida durante dos días consecutivos en el municipio de Cachipay, Cundinamarca, por sus síntomas clínicos se consideró que cursaba con un síndrome serotoninérgico, recibió tratamiento con adecuado control de su cuadro. Existen múltiples reportes bibliográficos sobre trastornos psicóticos derivados especialmente del uso de DMT en preparación de ayahuasca, sin embargo, la ocurrencia de síntomas psicóticos prolongados, más allá de 48 horas, se considera excepcional; se han descrito en pacientes con antecedentes personales y familiares de psicosis, manía, hipomanía o abuso de sustancias psicoactivas.

Serotonin syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms caused by serotonergic hyperactivity, primarily characterized by alterations in the central nervous system. Historically, traditional medicine has used herbal remedies for healing and religious purposes, which could affect the serotonergic system, dopamine, glutamate, and noradrenaline receptors. In this context, ayahuasca or «yagé» is mentioned as a brew with psychoactive potential that is generally associated with psychotic symptoms. Here, we present a clinical case of a patient with serotonin syndrome following her first-time consumption of ayahuasca in an indigenous ritual. The patient is a 31-year-old female who ingested an unknown quantity of yagé over two consecutive days in Cachipay, Cundinamarca. Given her clinical symptoms, she was considered to have serotonin syndrome and received treatment with adequate control of her condition. Multiple reports in the literature discuss psychotic disorders especially from DMT use in ayahuasca preparation; however, the occurrence of prolonged psychotic symptoms beyond 48 hours is considered exceptional and has been described in patients with personal and family histories of psychosis, mania, hypomania, or abuse of psychoactive substances.

5HT2A modulation attenuates pancreatic cancer induced pain mouse model by inhibiting HDAC

Purpose Patients have been severely suffered from cancer associated pain, and pancreatic cancer is the most severe form of cancer associated with pain. There are very few options available to manage it. The present report evaluated the effect of 5HT2A on pancreatic cancer associated pain. Methods Pancreatic cancer was induced by injecting SW 1,990 cells (~3×106 in a 20 µL suspension) into the pancreas and formed a 2­3-mm vesicle using an inoculator fitted with a 26-gauge needle in BALB/c-nu mice. Survival rate and body weight of the mice were observed. Pain behaviour testing was performed at the end of each week (third and fourth week) after surgery. Inflammatory mediators and HDAC 2 proteins were determined in the spinal tissue using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results There was improvement in the survival rate and body weight in 5HT2A antagonist treated group than pancreatic cancer group of mice. Moreover, 5HT2A antagonist ameliorated the alteration in pain behaviour of pancreatic cancer mice. mRNA expression of HDAC2 and level of inflammatory cytokines were reduced in the spinal tissue of 5HT 2A antagonist treated group than pancreatic cancer group of mice. Conclusions Data revealed that 5HT2A antagonist ameliorates pain associated with pancreatic cancer mice by HDAC inhibition and inflammatory cytokines. The result of investigation supports that modulation of 5HT2A receptor could be used clinically to protects neuropathic pain in pancreatic cancer.

Avoidant restrictive eating disorder and panic attacks in an adult man: A case report / Trastorno evitativo restrictivo de la ingesta alimentaria y ataques de pánico en un hombre adulto: Reporte de caso

Abstract Avoidant or Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder (ED) not common in adults. In this article we present a clinical case of ARFID in a 37-year-old male patient treated in an ED center in Medellin, Colombia; displaying anxious symptoms that began a year earlier and concomitant weight loss, following a traumatic event causing an overall impairment with that patient. Several medical evaluations/examinations looking for organic causes, were excluded. Interventions were implemented by a psychiatry, a psychotherapist using cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), and a nutritionist, all in face-to-face modality, which were carried out weekly for the first three months, then biweekly and subsequently quarterly. each lasting approximately 40-60 minutes. After the set of pharmacological interventions and psychotherapy, a great improvement in the functionality of the patient was observed. Improvement was found with respect to eating in public, food variation and panic attacks. In the absence of guidelines, it is important to use standardized and replicable treatments in this population.

Resumen El trastorno evitativo restrictivo de la ingesta (TERIA) es un trastorno alimentario (TCA) raro en adultos. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 37 años con TERIA y trastorno de pánico atendido en un centro para TCA en Medellín, Colombia, quien presentó un año de síntomas ansiosos y pérdida de peso después de evento traumático, generando disfuncionalidad. Fue evaluada y excluida organicidad. Se realizaron intervenciones por parte de psiquiatría, psicoterapia con enfoque cognitivo conductual y nutrición, todas en modalidad presencial, las cuales se realizaron semanalmente los primeros tres meses, luego quincenalmente y posteriormente trimestralmente. Cada una con una duración de 40-60 minutos aproximadamente por sesión. Posterior al conjunto de intervenciones farmacológicas y psicoterapia, se observó una gran mejoría la funcionalidad del paciente, se encontró mejoría con respecto a comer en público, variación en los alimentos y ataques de panico. Ante la ausencia de guías de manejo de TERIA en adultos es relevante realizar tratamientos estandarizados que puedan ser replicados.

Actualización sobre la comorbilidad migraña-depresión / Update on migraine-depression comorbidity

Introducción: La migraña y el trastorno depresivo son patologías altamente prevalentes e incapacitantes, las cuales presentan relaciones bidireccionales de comorbilidad. En la literatura se han descrito factores de riesgo y mecanismos fisiopatológicos comunes para ambas enfermedades, así como asociaciones entre estas y su presentación clínica. Métodos: El presente texto es una revisión narrativa de la literatura. La búsqueda del material bibliográfico se hizo mediante distintas bases de datos especializadas en el área de la salud. Resultados: Algunos factores de riesgo están asociados con ambas patologías, y ambas comparten factores patogénicos, incluidos cambios funcionales, estructurales, genéticos, epigenéticos y hormonales, entre otros. Varios de los tratamientos preventivos que han demostrado eficacia en el tratamiento de la migraña son medicamentos o medidas con efecto antidepresivo. Discusión: Si se consideran las asociaciones y los factores comunes descritos en la literatura, se hace evidente que en el enfoque de pacientes diagnosticados con alguna de estas patologías es necesario tener en cuenta una posible comorbilidad entre migraña y depresión. Conclusión: Es importante promover el tamizaje de estas dos condiciones en pacientes diagnosticados con alguna de ellas, pues esto puede tener implicaciones terapéuticas e impacto en la calidad de vida.

Introduction: Migraine and depressive disorder are highly prevalent and disabling pathologies, which present bidirectional relationships of comorbidity. Common risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms for both diseases have been described in the literature, as well as associations between them and their clinical presentation. Methods: This text is a narrative literature review. The bibliographical material was found through different databases specialized in health sciences. Results: Some risk factors are associated with both pathologies, and both share pathogenic factors, including functional, structural, genetic, epigenetic, hormonal changes, among others. Several of the preventive treatments that have shown efficacy in the treatment of migraine are medications or measures with an antidepressant effect. Discussion: Considering the associations and common factors described in the literature, it becomes evident that in the approach to patients diagnosed with any of these pathologies, it may be beneficial to consider a possible migraine-depression comorbidity. Conclusion: It is important to promote the screening of these two patients diagnosed with some, since it can have therapeutic implications and impact on quality of life.

Confirmación de la presencia de células serotoninérgicas en la corteza cerebral fetal en cultivos e in situ / Confirmation of the presence of serotonergic cells in the fetal cerebral cortex in cultures and in situ

Resumen Antecedentes: La aparición temprana de serotonina en el cerebro fetal y sus efectos en la morfogénesis cerebral apoyan su papel neurotrófico. Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de células serotoninérgicas y la expresión de triptófano-5-hidroxilasa (TPH), 5-hidroxitriptamina (5-HT), transportador de serotonina (SERT), receptor 5-HT1A y Pet-1 durante el desarrollo de la corteza cerebral, tanto in situ como en cultivo de tejidos. Material y métodos: Se realizó estudio observacional descriptivo en ratas Wistar preñadas. La presencia del tapón se consideró el inicio de la gestación; en los días 13, 16 y 17 se practicaron cesáreas para obtener los fetos e inmediatamente se disecaron los cerebros para identificar células serotoninérgicas, TPH, 5-HT, SERT, 5-HT1A y Pet-1 en cultivo de tejido e in situ mediante inmunomarcaje detectado en un microscopio confocal. Resultados: Células y terminales serotoninérgicas fueron observadas en el mesencéfalo el día 17 de gestación y en cocultivos de neopalio los días 13 y 16. También se observaron células inmunopositivas a TPH, 5-HT, SERT y Pet-1 en el neopalio en el día 12 del cultivo. Conclusiones: Se confirmó la presencia de células serotoninérgicas y otros elementos del sistema serotoninérgico en la corteza cerebral temprana, la cual puede ser transitoria y participar en los procesos de maduración cortical durante el desarrollo cerebral.

Abstract Background: Early appearance of serotonin in the fetal brain and its effects on brain morphogenesis support its neurotrophic role. Objective: To determine the presence of serotonergic cells and the expression of tryptophan-5-hydroxylase (TPH), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), serotonin transporter (SERT), 5-HT1A receptor and Pet-1 during the development of the cerebral cortex, both in situ and in tissue cultures. Material and methods: A descriptive, observational study was carried out in pregnant Wistar rats. The presence of the plug was regarded as the beginning of gestation. On days 13, 16 and 17, cesarean sections were performed to obtain the fetuses, and the brains were then immediately dissected to identify the presence of serotonergic cells, TPH, 5-HT, SERT, 5-HT1A and Pet-1 in tissue cultures and in situ by immunostaining detected on a confocal microscope. Results: Serotonergic cells and terminals were observed in the midbrain on day 17 of gestation, and in neopallium cocultures on days 13 and 16. TPH, 5-HT, SERT and Pet-1 immunopositive cells were also observed in the neopallium on day 12 of culture. Conclusions: The presence of serotonergic cells and other elements of the serotonergic system in the early cerebral cortex was confirmed, which may be transient and participate in cortical maturation processes during brain development.

The Efficacy of Different Triptans for the Treatment of Acute Headache in Pediatric Migraine: A Systematic Review

Background: Serotonin receptors 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D in the cerebral arteries are activated by the 5-hydroxytryptophan agonists (triptans) to relieve the discomfort associated with migraines. Even though triptans are often used to treat acute migraines, there is some debate over their effectiveness. Objective: Our systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of triptans for acute treatment of migraine in young individuals. Methods: Utilizing the databases of Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and PubMed, a literature search was conducted, and all papers published till July 2022 were included. This systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. In addition to the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT, the following descriptive terms were also used: “Triptans,” “Pediatric Migraine,” “Migraine disorders,” “Headache,” “Children,” and “Adolescent.” Results: A total of 1047 studies were identified, and 25 articles were finally included in the study. 17 of them were RCTs while the remaining were non-randomized trials. Most studies recruited participants aged between 12-17 years. Among 25 studies, 7 reported sumatriptan use, 3 assessed a combination of sumatriptan and naproxen, 4 were on almotriptan, 1 on eletriptan, 6 on rizatriptan, and 4 on zolmitriptan use. Conclusion: We found that rizatriptan (good tolerability profile with a dose of 5 mg) and sumatriptan (nasal spray, 10 mg and 20 mg) had higher efficiency as compared to other triptans. Regardless of type or dose, all triptans are generally well tolerated by patients, but a few adverse effects such as light-headedness (sumatriptan), nasopharyngitis, and, muscular spasms (sumatriptan/ naproxen), somnolence, and dry mouth (rizatriptan), and dizziness (zolmitriptan group) were reported with the triptans.

Efectos de los Polimorfismos del Transportador y de los Receptores de Serotonina en la Depresión

Introducción: La serotonina tiene gran implicación en la regulación del estado emocional y la ejecución de tareas cognitivas, de modo que los genes del transportador de serotonina (5-HTT, SLC6A4) y de los receptores de serotonina (HTR1A, HTR1B, HTR2A) se convierten en candidatos adecuados para estudiar los efectos de estos genes y sus variaciones polimórficas en las características de la depresión. Objetivo: Revisión de reportes de investigación que hayan estudiado los efectos de las variantes de los genes del transportador y de los receptores de serotonina en las diferentes características clínicas de la depresión. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos Scopus, Web of Science y PubMed con las palabras clave "depression", AND "polymorphism". Conclusiones: Según la revisión de 54 artículos, se encontró que el alelo corto del polimorfismo de 5-HTTLPR es el factor de riesgo más reportado en relación con el desarrollo de depresión y su gravedad. Las variantes de los genes estudiados (SLC6A4, HTR1A, HTR1B y HTR2A) pueden generar alteraciones morfológicas de estructuras cerebrales.

Introduction: Serotonin is highly implicated in the regulation of emotional state and the execution of cognitive tasks, so much so that the serotonin transporter genes (5-HTT, SLC6A4) and the serotonin receptor genes (HTR1A, HTR1B, HTR2A) have become the perfect candidates when studying the effects that these genes and their polymorphic variations have on depression characteristics. Objective: A review of research reports that have studied the effects of variations in the serotonin transporter and receptor genes on different clinical features of depression. Methods: A search of the Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases was conducted using the keywords ("depression" AND "polymorphism"). Conclusions: According to the review of 54 articles, the short allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was found to be the most reported risk factor related to the development of depression and its severity. Variations in the genes studied (SLC6A4, HTR1A, HTR2A) can generate morphological alterations of brain structures.

Serotonin, ghrelin, and motilin gene/receptor/transporter polymorphisms in childhood functional constipation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Functional constipation is the most common form of constipation, and its exact aetiology is still unclear. However, it is known that deficiencies in hormonal factors cause constipation by changing physiological mechanisms. Motilin, ghrelin, serotonin acetylcholine, nitric oxide, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide are factors that play a role in colon motility. There are a limited number of studies in the literature where hormone levels and gene polymorphisms of serotonin and motilin are examined. Our study aimed to investigate the role of motilin, ghrelin, and serotonin gene/receptor/transporter polymorphisms in constipation pathogenesis in patients diagnosed with functional constipation according to the Rome 4 criteria. METHODS: Sociodemographic data, symptom duration, accompanying findings, the presence of constipation in the family, Rome 4 criteria, and clinical findings according to Bristol scale of 200 cases (100 constipated patients and 100 healthy control) who applied to Istanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic, between March and September 2019 (6-month period) were recorded. Polymorphisms of motilin-MLN (rs2281820), serotonin receptor-HTR3A (rs1062613), serotonin transporter-5-HTT (rs1042173), ghrelin-GHRL (rs27647), and ghrelin receptor-GHSR (rs572169) were detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics. Notably, 40% of the constipated group had a family history of constipation. The number of patients who started to have constipation under 24 months was 78, and the number of patients who started to have constipation after 24 months was 22. There was no significant difference between constipation and control groups in terms of genotype and allele frequencies in MLN, HTR3A, 5-HTT, GHRL, and GHSR polymorphisms (p<0.05). Considering only the constipated group, the rates of gene polymorphism were similar among those with/without a positive family history of constipation, constipation onset age, those with/without fissures, those with/without skin tag, and those with type 1/type 2 stool types according to the Bristol stool scale. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that gene polymorphisms of these three hormones may not be related to constipation in children.

Efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of comorbiditiy of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: a meta analysis / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors alone or in combination with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) compared with SSRIs alone in the treatment of comorbidity of erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE). 【Methods】 The clinical randomized controlled trials of ED and PE comorbidity treated with PDE5 inhibitors alone or in combination with SSRIs were searched from database inception to Sep.2022, in CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang Database, cqVIP Database, SinoMed and Yiigle. The intravaginal ejaculatory latency time(IELT), score of International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) and adverse reaction rate were analyzed with RevMan 5.4.1 software. 【Results】 A total of9 studies involving 793 patients were included. Meta analysis showed that compared with SSRIs alone, PDE5 inhibitors alone or in combination with SSRIs yielded better results in IELT [MD=1.99, 95%CI(1.51-2.46), P<0.001] and higher IIEF-5 score [MD=4.61, 95%CI(3.68-5.55), P<0.001] , but no increase in adverse events [RR=0.99, 95%CI(0.74-1.31), P=0.92] . 【Conclusion】 In the treatment of ED and PE comorbidity, priority should be given to ED or both ED and PE, which can produce better efficacy without increasing the adverse effects.

Effects of Chaihu Shugan Powder on behaviors and expression of 5-HT2A and BDNF in brain region of a rat model of post-stroke depression / 中成药

AIM To investigate the effects of Chaihu Shugan Powder on the behaviors rat models of post-stroke depression(PSD)and the expression of 5-HT2A and BDNF in prefrontal cortex and striatum.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the blank group,the sham operation group,the model group,Chaihu Shugan Powder group,the fluoxetine group and the combination drug group,with 9 rats in each group.The PSD rat models were established by the right middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)by thread embolism method followed by further exposure to 4 weeks chronic and unpredictable mild stimulation.Subsequently,the rats started their corresponding regime of normal saline 5 mL/kg,Chaihu Shugan Powder 2 mg/kg,fluoxetine 12.5 mg/kg,and Chaihu Shugan Powder 2 mg/kg and fluoxetine 12.5 mg/kg(the combination group),respectively,and had their body mass measured and their behaviors(sugar water preference test,open field test and Morris water maze test)assessed simultaneously during the trial.After the experiment,the rats had their 5-HT2A and BDNF in prefrontal cortex and striatum detected of the mRNA expressions by RT-qPCR;of their expressions of the positive cells by immunohistochemical staining;and of their protein expressions by Westren blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group displayed no improvement of depression-like behaviors,and decreased in mRNA expressions,positive cell expressions and protein expressions of 5-HT2A and BDNF(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with Chaihu Shugan Powder,fluoxetine and combination drug showed improved depression-like behaviors,and increased mRNA expressions,positive cell expressions and protein expressions of 5-HT2A and BDNF as well(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Chaihu Shugan Powder can improve the depression-like behaviors in the PSD rat model,and its mechanism may be associated with the improvement in the expressions of 5-HT2A and BDNF in prefrontal cortex and striatum.

Syndrome Differentiation-based Treatment of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Chinese Medicine via 5-HT Signaling Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （IBS-D） is a chronic functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and diarrhea， with visceral hypersensitivity and abnormal gastrointestinal dynamics as the pathophysiological basis. The brain-gut interaction plays a role in pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders， especially IBS-D. 5-Hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， as an important brain-gut peptide regulating gastrointestinal function， affects brain activity， gastrointestinal motility， pain perception， mucosal inflammation， and immune response through brain-gut interaction and is associated with the occurrence and development of IBS-D. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has shown great potential to mitigate gastrointestinal symptoms and improve the quality of life with its holistic view and treatment based on syndrome differentiation. Studies have shown that TCM treats IBS-D by regulating the 5-HT signaling pathway. With a focus on syndrome differentiation in TCM， this paper systematically describes the efficacy and mechanism of TCM in treating different TCM syndromes of IBS-D via the 5-HT signaling pathway， aiming to provide a scientific basis for TCM treatment of this disease.

Effect and mechanism of serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitor on bone metabolism / 中国药房

Serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitor （SSRI） is the first-line drug for treating depression. SSRI mainly include fluoxetine， paroxetine， sertraline， fluvoxamine， citalopram and escitalopram， etc. SSRI has dual impact on bone metabolism. Short- term use of SSRI may have a positive impact on bone， but long-term use may lead to bone problems. This article summarizes the effects and mechanisms of SSRI on bone metabolism， indicating that SSRI can affect bone formation， bone resorption， mesenchymal stem cell differentiation， and regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines. The impact of SSRI on bone metabolism can be achieved by affecting classical signaling pathways such as cAMP/PKA/CREB， Wnt/β-catenin， BMP/Smad， OPG/RANKL/RANK， and through centrally mediated effects.

Validation and clinical application of the Metacognitions Questionnaire in a sample of Brazilian generalized anxiety disorder patients: the effects of different treatment interventions

Abstract Introduction Metacognitive beliefs about worry may trigger anxiety. However, the effect of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) treatment on metacognition has not yet been investigated. Objectives To validate the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30) in a Brazilian GAD sample and verify whether different interventions reduce metacognitive beliefs. Method We recruited 180 GAD individuals and randomized them to Body in Mind Training (BMT), Fluoxetine (FLX), or an active control group (Quality of Life [QoL]) for 8 weeks. The MCQ-30 was assessed for internal consistency, was evaluated with confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses, and was tested for convergent validity with the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were employed to analyze differences after the interventions. Results The MCQ-30 demonstrated good internal consistency and acceptability; the original five-factor model was supported. There was a positive moderate correlation between MCQ-30 scores and worry. GEE showed a significant group x time interaction (p < 0.001). Both BMT (mean difference [MD] = -6.04, standard error [SE] = -2.39, p = 0.034) and FLX (MD = -5.78, SE = 1.91, p = 0.007) reduced MCQ-30 scores. FLX was superior to QoL, but not BMT, at weeks 5 and 8. There were no differences between BMT and QoL. Conclusion The Brazilian-Portuguese version of MCQ-30 showed good psychometric properties. Furthermore, the positive effect of FLX and BMT on metacognition suggests it may represent a potential therapeutic target.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells

Abstract The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Resumo Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells / Tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): descrição histológica, histoquímica e análise imunohistoquímica de células 5-HT e SS

Abstract The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Resumo Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Avaliação da qualidade do sono e níveis séricos de serotonina e cortisol em pacientes com dor crônica / Evaluation of sleep quality and serum levels of serotonin and cortisol in patients with chronic pain / Evaluación de la calidad del sueño y de los niveles séricos de serotonina y cortisol en pacientes con dolor crónico

A dor crônica pode acometer indivíduos de qualquer idade e está atribuída a maior morbidade, declínio cognitivo e imobilidade. Nos pacientes com dor crônica, ocorrem alterações importantes na neurotransmissão, além de alterações endócrinas relacionadas ao estresse. Além do mais, a má qualidade do sono leva a alterações cognitivas, irritabilidade e fadiga durante o dia e está, comumente, presente em pacientes com dor crônica. Assim, o presente estudo avaliou, por meio da aplicação de questionários a indivíduos adultos com diagnóstico de dor crônica, atendidos em ambulatório de reumatologia da microrregião de Alfenas-MG, a qualidade de vida, o padrão da dor e a qualidade do sono, além da análise da dosagem sérica de serotonina e cortisol. Dos 57 pacientes que fizeram parte da amostra, a maioria era composta por mulheres (91,2%), com idade maior de 40 anos (87,7%). Os principais diagnósticos envolvidos foram fibromialgia (35%), osteoartrite (21%) e artrite reumatoide (14%). Os resultados obtidos apontaram moderada intensidade da dor e interferência das atividades diárias, regular estado de saúde geral e má qualidade do sono nestes indivíduos. De acordo com os dados, não houve correlação estatisticamente relevante entre a severidade da dor e a qualidade de sono, tampouco entre a severidade da dor e o estado de saúde geral. Por outro lado, houve correlação positiva moderada entre a severidade da dor e a interferência nas atividades diárias, e correlação negativa moderada entre a severidade da dor e a saúde mental do indivíduo. Também ficou claro que a interferência da dor nas atividades diárias impacta negativamente na saúde mental. Não foi possível constatar uma relação entre a má qualidade do sono e maior intensidade da dor, mas sim entre qualidade de sono e saúde mental, impactando significativamente também no estado geral de saúde. A qualidade do sono impacta ainda na relação das atividades do cotidiano e influencia negativamente a saúde mental. Por fim, no presente estudo não foi evidenciada correlação significativa entre o diagnóstico de dor crônica e alterações de níveis séricos de serotonina e cortisol. Em conclusão, os achados demonstram a complexidade do tratamento de pacientes com dor crônica. Considerando que a dor crônica desencadeia um amplo espectro de alterações orgânicas e cognitivas, torna-se essencial compreender como essas alterações se associam, para que sejam desenvolvidas abordagens preventivas e terapêuticas mais efetivas.

Chronic pain can affect individuals of any age and is associated with increased morbidity, cognitive decline, and immobility. In patients with chronic pain, there are important changes in neurotransmission, in addition to stress-related endocrine changes. Moreover, poor sleep quality leads to cognitive changes, irritability, and fatigue during the day and is commonly present in patients with chronic pain. Thus, the present study evaluated, by means of applying questionnaires to adult individuals diagnosed with chronic pain, seen at a rheumatology outpatient clinic in the Alfenas-MG microregion, the quality of life, the pattern of pain and the quality of sleep, in addition to the analysis of serum serotonin and cortisol levels. Of the 57 patients who were part of the sample, most were women (91.2%), aged over 40 years (87.7%). The main diagnoses involved were fibromyalgia (35%), osteoarthritis (21%), and rheumatoid arthritis (14%). The results obtained indicated moderate pain intensity and interference with daily activities, regular general health status, and poor sleep quality in these individuals. According to the data, there was no statistically relevant correlation between pain severity and sleep quality, nor between pain severity and general health status. On the other hand, there was a moderate positive correlation between pain severity and interference with daily activities, and a moderate negative correlation between pain severity and the individual's mental health. It was also clear that pain interference with daily activities negatively impacts mental health. A relationship between poor sleep quality and greater pain intensity could not be found, but rather between sleep quality and mental health, impacting significantly on overall health status as well. Sleep quality also impacts the relationship of activities of daily living and negatively influences mental health. Finally, in the present study no significant correlation was evidenced between the diagnosis of chronic pain and changes in serum levels of serotonin and cortisol. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate the complexity of treating patients with chronic pain. Considering that chronic pain triggers a broad spectrum of organic and cognitive changes, it becomes essential to understand how these changes associate so that more effective preventive and therapeutic approaches can be developed.

dolor crónico puede afectar a individuos de cualquier edad y se asocia a una mayor morbilidad, deterioro cognitivo e inmovilidad. En los pacientes con dolor crónico se producen importantes alteraciones en la neurotransmisión, además de cambios endocrinos relacionados con el estrés. Además, un sueño de mala calidad conduce a alteraciones cognitivas, irritabilidad y fatiga durante el día, y está comúnmente presente en pacientes con dolor crónico. Así, el presente estudio evaluó, mediante la aplicación de cuestionarios a individuos adultos diagnosticados de dolor crónico, atendidos en una consulta externa de reumatología de la microrregión de Alfenas-MG, la calidad de vida, el patrón de dolor y la calidad del sueño, además del análisis del dosaje sérico de serotonina y cortisol. De los 57 pacientes que formaron parte de la muestra, la mayoría eran mujeres (91,2%), mayores de 40 años (87,7%). Los principales diagnósticos fueron fibromialgia (35%), artrosis (21%) y artritis reumatoide (14%). Los resultados obtenidos señalaron una intensidad moderada del dolor y una interferencia de las actividades cotidianas, un estado de salud general regular y una mala calidad del sueño en estas personas. Según los datos, no existía una correlación estadísticamente relevante entre la intensidad del dolor y la calidad del sueño, ni entre la intensidad del dolor y el estado general de salud. Por otro lado, existía una correlación positiva moderada entre la intensidad del dolor y la interferencia en las actividades cotidianas, y una correlación negativa moderada entre la intensidad del dolor y la salud mental del individuo. También quedó claro que la interferencia del dolor en las actividades cotidianas repercute negativamente en la salud mental. No fue posible encontrar una relación entre una mala calidad del sueño y una mayor intensidad del dolor, sino más bien entre la calidad del sueño y la salud mental, lo que también repercute significativamente en el estado general de salud. La calidad del sueño también repercute en la relación de las actividades diarias e influye negativamente en la salud mental. Por último, en el presente estudio no se evidenció una correlación significativa entre el diagnóstico de dolor crónico y las alteraciones en los niveles séricos de serotonina y cortisol. En conclusión, los hallazgos demuestran la complejidad del tratamiento de los pacientes con dolor crónico. Teniendo en cuenta que el dolor crónico desencadena un amplio espectro de alteraciones orgánicas y cognitivas, se hace imprescindible comprender cómo se asocian estas alteraciones, para poder desarrollar abordajes preventivos y terapéuticos más eficaces.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells / Tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): descrição histológica, histoquímica e análise imunohistoquímica de células 5-HT e SS

The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.