Low temperature-aged garlic extract suppresses psychological stress by modulation of stress hormones and oxidative stress response in brain.

BACKGROUND: Garlic is a folk medicine known for its multiple physiological activities, but the neuro-modulatory effect of garlic against psychological stress has rarely been explored. The current study was conducted to determine the potential antipsychological stress effect of low temperature-aged garlic (LTAG). METHODS: After acute restraint stress exposure, mice were administered with raw garlic (RG, 500 mg/kg, p.o.) or LTAG (500 mg/kg, p.o.). We investigated corticosterone, cortisol, and monoamines levels, and the mRNA expression of genes relevant to oxidative stress. RESULTS: RG and LTAG treatment significantly decreased stress-related hormones such as corticotropin-releasing factor, adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone, and cortisol. Moreover, RG and LTAG administration significantly restored acute restraint stress-induced changes in concentrations of brain neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine). In addition, RG and LTAG improved the antioxidant defense system by causing an increase in mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in the brain. CONCLUSION: This study suggests an antipsychological stress and neuroprotective effect of RG and LTAG under stress conditions.

Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 Delays Progression of Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Senescence Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) Mice.

Probiotic supplements are potential therapeutic agents for age-related disorders due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of probiotics on age-related brain dysfunction remains unclear. To investigate the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 (LPPS23) on the progression of age-related cognitive decline, male and female senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were divided into two groups (n = 6 each): the control and PS23 groups. From the age of 16 weeks, these groups were given saline and LPPS23, respectively, because SAMP8 mice start aging rapidly after four months of age. After 12 weeks of treatment, we evaluated the effect of LPPS23 by analyzing their appearance, behavior, neural monoamines, anti-oxidative enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines. The PS23 group showed lower scores of senescence and less serious anxiety-like behaviors and memory impairment compared to the control group. The control mice also showed lower levels of neural monoamines in the striatum, hippocampus, and serum. Moreover, LPPS23 induced the anti-oxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Higher levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1) and lower levels of interleukin (IL)-10 indicated that LPPS23 modulated the inflammation. Our results suggest that LPPS23 supplements could delay age-related cognitive decline, possibly by preventing oxidation and inflammation and modulating gut⁻brain axis communication.

High-fat simple carbohydrate feeding impairs central and peripheral monoamine metabolic pathway triggering the onset of metabolic syndrome in C57Bl/6J mice.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown disturbances in an individual monoamine pathway but have not studied metabolic pathways at the onset and progression of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aims, Settings, and Design: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-fat simple carbohydrate (HFSC) diet on central (hypothalamic) and peripheral (plasma and urine) monoamine metabolic pathways during the development of metabolic syndrome in C57BL/6J mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monoamines were analyzed in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th month after feeding mice the HFSC diet or the control diet using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system (Shimadzu, Japan). Data was statistically analyzed (by Student's t-test) using Graph Pad Instat Version 3.1. Post statistical analysis, Bonferroni correction was applied to the results of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th month in order to calculate the correct error in the study. RESULTS: Significantly lower hypothalamic, plasma, and urine dopamine, and higher hypothalamic and plasma levels of norepinephrine and normetanephrine levels were observed in the HFSC diet fed C57BL/6J mice as compared to the control diet fed C57BL/6J mice after 5 months of feeding. No consistent changes were observed in other brain regions. The turnover ratio indicated that the lower dopamine levels in the HFSC diet fed C57BL/6J mice was due to the increased formation of norepinephrine and homovanillic acid. CONCLUSION: HFSC diet impairs the central and peripheral dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways in mice as evidenced by the disturbances in their hypothalamic, plasma, and urine levels and this might be one of the early factors contributing towards the development of the MetS.

Asparagus racemosus modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and brain monoaminergic systems in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Asparagus racemosus (AR) is classified as an adaptogen, an important medicinal plant and food. Even though AR is widely used as food and nutraceutical, it has only been evaluated in the context of experimental disorders. Hence, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of standardized methanolic extract of AR (MAR) on experimentally un-manipulated animals to observe the per se effects on stress pathways. METHODS: MAR (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, per oral) was administered for 7 days. Lorazepam (0.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was used as a positive control. On the seventh day, plasma was collected for the estimation of corticosterone (CORT) and norepinephrine (NE), and brain was microdissected into hippocampus, hypothalamus (HYP), pre-frontal cortex, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens to estimate tissue level of monoamines (serotonin, dopamine, and NE), their metabolites, and turnover. RESULTS: MAR dose-dependently decreased the plasma CORT and NE levels, indicating its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis and the sympathetic-noradrenergic system, respectively. MAR increased the levels of all monoamines in the HYP. However, MAR showed region-specific changes in monoamines and their metabolites, and turnover in other brain regions. DISCUSSION: MAR showed a physiological modulation of the stress pathways. Interestingly, in most brain regions the change in monoaminergic systems was limited by a ceiling effect at a dose of 100 mg/kg. These observations could explain the traditional use of AR as an adaptogen and a functional food.

Involvement of monoamines and proinflammatory cytokines in mediating the anti-stress effects of Panax quinquefolium.

Panax quinquefolium (PQ) is well acclaimed in literature for its effects on central and peripheral nervous system. The present study explores the effects of PQ on stress induced changes of corticosterone level in plasma, monoamines (NA, DA and 5-HT) and interleukin (IL-2 and IL-6) levels in cortex and hippocampus regions of brain and also indicate their possible roles in modulating stress. Mice subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS, for 7 days) showed significant increase in plasma corticosterone level and depletion of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in cortex and hippocampal regions along with an increased level of IL-2 and IL-6 in the same areas. Aqueous suspension of PQ was administered daily at a dose of 100 and 200mg/kg p.o. prior to the stress regimen and its effects on selected stress markers in plasma and brain was evaluated. PQ at a dose of 200mg/kg p.o. was found to be effective in normalizing the CUS induced elevation of plasma corticosterone and IL-2, IL-6 levels in brain. Moreover, it was significantly effective in reinstating the CUS induced depletion of NA, DA and 5-HT in hippocampus, while NA and 5-HT in cortex of brain. However, PQ at a dose of 100mg/kg p.o. was found ineffective in regulating any of these CUS induced changes. Present study provides an insight into the possible role of PQ on hyperactive HPA axis in the regulation of immediate stress effectors like corticosterone, cytokines and brain monoamines. In this study, PQ has emerged as a potential therapeutic in the cure of stress related disorders and needs to be evaluated in clinical studies to ascertain its efficacy.

Effects of K. lysolecithin on blood levels of monoamines in mice.

In this research, Lysolecithin - a substance made with 100% natural ingredients - was given to ICR mice as medication to measure its periodic effect on the noradrenalin (NA), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) levels of the brain. Both ICR and SAM mice were separated into two groups - control group and Lysolecithin (K. Lysolecithin: hydrolytic lysolecithin) medicated group, and given 1-week preparation period. The K. Lysolecithin group was given 500 mg/kg of K. Lysolecithin at 0.2 mL per dosage for 4 weeks, and the control group was given the same amount of dosage of water during the same period. NA, DA and 5-HT concentrations were measured from the blood before medication and 8 weeks/12 weeks/16 weeks after the first medication. For the SAM mice, 8 weeks after they were medicated with K .Lysolecithin, Morris Water Maze Test was conducted for 7 consecutive days and then the concentrations were measured by drawing blood from the heart. The K. Lysolecithin medicated group showed a tendency to have a statistically significant higher concentrations of 5-HT and NA in the blood. Also, periodic examination showed that the monoamine levels were highest in the 12th week and declined thereafter.

Anxiety responses, plasma corticosterone and central monoamine variations elicited by stressors in reactive and nonreactive mice and their reciprocal F1 hybrids.

Stressor-provoked anxiety, plasma corticosterone, and variations of brain monoamine turnover are influenced by genetic factors, but may also be moderated by early life experiences. To evaluate the contribution of maternal influences, behavioral and neurochemical stress responses were assessed in strains of mice that were either stressor-reactive or -resilient (BALB/cByJ and C57BL/6ByJ, respectively) as well as in their reciprocal F(1) hybrids. BALB/cByJ mice demonstrated poorer maternal behaviors than did C57BL/6ByJ dams, irrespective of the pups being raised (inbred or F(1) hybrids). The BALB/cByJ mice appeared more anxious than C57BL/6ByJ mice, exhibiting greater reluctance to step-down from a platform and a greater startle response. Although the F(1) behavior generally resembled that of the C57BL/6ByJ parent strain, in the step-down test the influence of maternal factors were initially evident among the F(1) mice (particularly males) with a BALB/cByJ dam. However, over trials the C57BL/6ByJ-like behavior came to predominate. BALB/cByJ mice also exhibited greater plasma corticosterone elevations, 5-HT utilization in the central amygdala (CeA), and greater NE turnover in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Interestingly, among the F(1)'s corticosterone and 5-HIAA in the CeA resembled that of the BALB/cByJ parent strain, whereas MHPG accumulation in the PVN was more like that of C57BL/6ByJ mice. It seems that, to some extent, maternal factors influenced anxiety responses in the hybrids, but did not influence the corticosterone or the monoamine variations. The inheritance profiles suggest that anxiety was unrelated to either the corticosterone or monoamine changes.

[Detection of monoamine transmitters in serum of macaque by high performance liquid chromatograghy with electrochemical detector].

OBJECTIVE: To develop an HPLC-ECD for the determination of monoamine transmitters in serum of macaque. METHOD: The analysis was carried out on a ZORBAX SB-C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) eluted with a mobile phase of methanol-water (18:82) at a flow rate of 0.9 mL x min(-1). RESULT: The recoveries of NE, E, DA, 5-HT were 97.0%, 97.8%, 99.5%, 100.3%, RSD was 0.22%-0.93%, and the repeatability was good. CONCLUSION: The results prove that the method is simple, fast, accurate and can be used to determine simultaneously the concentration of monoamine transmitters in serum of macaque.

Effect of preparations from potentiated ethanol on the content of biogenic monoamines and metabolism of ethanol in tissues of rats during alcoholization.

The effect of homeopathically potentiated ethanol (C30 and C200) on ethanol metabolism was studied in alcoholized rats. We measured ethanol concentration in the blood, alcohol dehydrogenase activity in the liver, and contents of biogenic monoamines in the hypothalamus, septum, and whole blood. Potentiated preparations of ethanol were efficient after long-term treatment and delayed ethanol elimination from the blood. Preparation C200 increased alcohol dehydrogenase activity. Potentiated preparations of ethanol (particularly C200) produced a positive effect on catecholaminergic and serotoninergic systems of the brain, i.e. they enhanced protective and adaptive reactions.

[Study of the acupuncture effect on monoamine transmitters in rabbit plasma and brain tissue by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection].

A rapid and simple method for the study of the acupuncture effect on monoamine transmitters and related compounds in rabbit plasma and brain tissue by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was developed. An ODS column was selected as the separation column at 25 degrees C, and pH 4.50, 0.02 mol/L of trisodium citrate-0.05 mol/L sodium phosphate dibasic to methanol (95:5, volume ratio) without ion-pair at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Four compounds, epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), were simultaneously separated and determined under the above conditions. Twenty rabbits were investigated after the acupuncture action upon the central neurotransmitters. The sufficient data showed that acupuncture could significantly affect the activities of the neurotransmitters including E, NE, DA and 5-HT, and the changed functions of the neurotransmitter systems induced by acupuncture not only lead to the neurotransmitter content increase both in brain and plasma but also cause the increase of rabbit breed ability. The results show that the method is very simple and fast. The method is valuable not only for clinical diagnosis but also for research work.

[The characteristics of the hypothalamic monoaminergic regulation of adrenal cortical function in patients with hyperandrogenemia]. / Osobennosti gipotalamicheskoi monoaminergicheskoi reguliatsii funktsii kory nadpochechnikov u bol'nykh s giperandrogenemiei.

Since the majority of monoamines cannot penetrate through the hematoencephalic barrier, it is difficult to study their central metabolic disturbances. The ethymisole test was used to study the adrenocortical function in patients with hyperandrogenemia; ethymisole can penetrate through this barrier, it stimulates the brain structures that regulate adrenocortical function via endogenic monoamines activation. In 10 patients with the common form of ovarian polycystosis the ACTH and hydrocortisone response to ethymisole administration was virtually the same as in the reference group. This response was enhanced in 13 patients with ovarian polycystosis and adrenal hyperandrogenemia, and it could be arrested by ciproheptadin. This fact evidences, that the adrenal component of hyperandrogenemia is explained by hyperactivity of the hypothalamic serotoninergic systems, that regulate the secretion of corticotropin releasing factor. In 8 patients with ovarian polycystosis and functional hyperprolactinemia ACTH and hydrocortisone reaction to ethymisole administration was reduced; such type of response is observed in metoclopramide blocking of dopaminergic receptors. This fact points to the presence of hypothalamic dopaminergic insufficiency in the patients with ovarian polycystosis and hyperprolactinemia, this insufficiency involving not only the adrenocortical function regulating centers, but, possibly, the tuberoinfundibular system structures as well.