Leptin polymorphism rs3828942: risk for anxiety disorders?

Leptin is an anorexigenic hormone well recognized by its role in mediating energy homeostasis. Recently, leptin has been associated with psychiatric disorders and interestingly, leptin treatment has shown antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. We examined the association of leptin levels and leptin (LEP) gene rs3828942 polymorphism with anxiety disorders considering sex differences. A cross-sectional population-based study, including 1067 young adults, of whom 291 presented anxiety disorders diagnosed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 5.0). The rs3828942 polymorphism was genotyped by real-time PCR and ELISA measured leptin levels. Leptin levels were not associated with anxiety disorders after adjusting for sex and body mass index (BMI) [ß = - 0.009 (- 0.090-0.072); p = 0.832]. The distribution of rs3828942 genotypes was not associated with anxiety disorders. However, in a sex-stratified sample, the A-allele of rs3828942 polymorphism was associated with risk for GAD in women even when adjusting for confounding variables [OR = 1.87 (1.17-2.98); p = 0.008]. In a subsample of 202 individuals with GAD and control matched by sex and BMI, results suggest an interaction between genotypes and GAD diagnosis based on leptin levels only in the male group [F (1, 54) = 6.464; p = 0.0139]. Leptin is suggested to be related with the neurobiology of anxiety disorders in a sex-dependent manner since women carrying the A-allele of LEP rs3828942 present a higher risk for GAD, while leptin levels seem to be lower in men with GAD carrying A-allele. Studies on the relationship between leptin polymorphisms and levels are scarce and, therefore, further research is necessary.

Impact of genetic variations in ADORA2A gene on depression and symptoms: a cross-sectional population-based study.

Genetic variants involved in adenosine metabolism and its receptors were associated with increased risk for psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Here, we examined an association between a single nucleotide polymorphism in A2A receptor gene (ADORA2A, rs2298383 SNP) with current depressive episode and symptom profile. A total of 1253 individuals from a cross-sectional population-based study were analyzed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0. Our data showed that the TT genotype of ADORA2A rs2298383 SNP was associated with reduced risk for depression when compared to the CC/CT genotypes (p = 0.020). This association remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables such as smoking, gender, socioeconomic class, and ethnicity (OR = 0.631 (95% CI 0.425-0.937); p = 0.022). Regarding the symptoms associated with depression, we evaluated the impact of the ADORA2A SNP in the occurrence of sad/discouraged mood, anhedonia, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, motion changes, energy loss, feelings of worthless or guilty, difficulty in concentrating, and presence of bad thoughts. Notably, the TT genotype was independently associated with reduced sleep disturbances (OR = 0.438 (95% CI 0.258-0.743); p = 0.002) and less difficulty in concentrating (OR = 0.534 (95% CI 0.316-0.901; p = 0.019). The cross-sectional design cannot evaluate the cause-effect relationship and did not evaluate the functional consequences of this polymorphism. Our data support an important role for ADORA2A rs2298383 SNP in clinical heterogeneity associated with depression. The presence of the TT genotype was associated with decrease risk for current depression and disturbances in sleep and attention, two of the most common symptoms associated with this disorder.

Iodonium salt incorporation in dental adhesives and its relation with degree of conversion, ultimate tensile strength, cell viability, and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion, ultimate tensile strength, cell viability, and oxidative stress of two different ternary initiation systems, using two photoinitiation polymerization times. METHODS: The groups investigated were camphorquinone (CQ); CQ and diphenyleneiodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPI); CQ and ethyl 4-dimethylamine benzoate (EDAB); and CQ, EDAB, and DPI, with EDAB in high and low concentration. To assess the degree of conversion (DC) and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), a real-time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and a universal test machine Emic DL-500 were used, respectively. Cell viability and oxidative stress were evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total sulfhydryl (SH) content, and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) formation assays. RESULTS: Slight lower cell viability was shown when DPI was associated with high concentrations of EDAB; this reduction seemed to be attenuated when lower concentrations of EDAB were used. When EDAB and DPI were associated, no oxidative damage was shown. The degree of conversion was increased in the ternary systems (CQ + EDAB lower concentration + DPI) group, which did not affect the UTS, cytotoxicity, and oxidative stress parameters. The polymerization time did not affect cell viability, total SH, and TBARS; however, a slight increase was shown in SOD levels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our study emphasizes the relevance of incorporating the third element-iodonium salt-in a binary adhesive systems composed exclusively of CQ and EDAB.

Preventive Effect of Cecropia pachystachya Against Ketamine-Induced Manic Behavior and Oxidative Stress in Rats.

Cecropia species are widely used in traditional medicine by its anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of the crude aqueous extract from Cecropia pachystachya leaves in a rat model of mania induced by ketamine. The results indicated that ketamine treatment (25 mg/kg i.p., for 8 days) induced hyperlocomotion in the open-field test and oxidative damage in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, evaluated by increased lipid peroxidation, carbonyl protein formation and decreased total thiol content. Moreover, ketamine treatment reduced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in hippocampus. Pretreatment of rats with C. pachystachya aqueous extract (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o., for 14 days) or with lithium chloride (45 mg/kg p.o., for 14 days, used as a positive control) prevented both behavioral and pro-oxidant effects of ketamine. These findings suggest that C. pachystachya might be a useful tool for preventive intervention in bipolar disorder, reducing the episode relapse and the oxidative damage associated with the manic phase of this disorder .

Leptin in depressive episodes: is there a difference between unipolar and bipolar depression?

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated whether peripheral leptin levels are associated with current depressive episodes in a cross-sectional study nested within a population-based study. METHODS: The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) 5.0 was used to assess the presence of current depressive episodes. The sample was composed of 206 subjects (103 controls and 103 subjects with a current depressive episode) paired by gender, BMI and age. Medication use and lifestyle characteristics were self-reported. RESULTS: Serum leptin levels were lower in currently depressive subjects (10.9 ± 12.0 ng/ml) than in the control group (20.3 ± 24.0 ng/ml; p = 0.023). According to the clinical diagnosis, individuals with bipolar depression present lower leptin levels (8.4 ± 8.1 ng/ml) than those with unipolar depression (12.0 ± 13.4 ng/ml) and the control group (20.3 ± 24.0 ng/ml; p = 0.031). In addition, ANCOVA showed that leptin is an independent factor associated with current depressive episodes (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: A decreased leptin level might be a useful peripheral marker associated with depressive episodes in the context of bipolar disorder.

Immune dysfunction in bipolar disorder and suicide risk: is there an association between peripheral corticotropin-releasing hormone and interleukin-1ß?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between peripheral levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) with and without suicide risk (SR), and controls. METHODS: A total of 120 young adults (40 controls, 40 subjects with BD without SR, and 40 subjects with BD with SR) were enrolled from a population-based study carried out in the city of Pelotas, Brazil. BD and SR were assessed through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 5.0), and peripheral markers were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Levels of CRH were significantly lower both in subjects with BD without SR (p = 0.04) and subjects with BD with SR (p = 0.02) when compared to controls. However, levels of IL-1ß were increased in subjects with BD with SR (p = 0.05) when compared to controls. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, current mood episode, and use of psychiatric medications were not associated with changes in these markers. No correlation was found between peripheral levels of CRH and IL-1ß (p = 0.60) in the population or in the BD with SR group (p = 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that peripheral mechanisms linking stress hormones and the immune system might be critical patterns involved in suicidal behavior associated with BD.

Prevalence of depression symptoms and serum levels of interleukin-6 in hemodialysis patients.

AIM: In hemodialysis patients, depression appears as the most common psychopathological condition. States of advanced chronic kidney disease and dialysis are associated with a state of chronic inflammation. Depression has been linked to activation of the immune system characterized by high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we investigated the possible correlations between depression, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Seventy-five hemodialysis patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study from September to November 2011 in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Demographic data were obtained from a questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to determine the presence or absence of depression symptoms. Biochemical parameters, dialysisdosage delivery, and IL-6 serum levels were measured. RESULTS: Prevalence of depression among hemodialysis patients was 48% (BDI ≥ 14). In biochemical assessments, depressed patients showed a decrease in urea (P = 0.01) and increase of IL-6 (P = 0.04) levels. The correlation analysis between BDI scores and the biochemical variables showed that BDI was negatively correlated with urea (P = 0.03) and potassium (P = 0.04), but not with IL-6 levels. CONCLUSION: Hemodialysis patients with depression showed higher levels of IL-6 but the severity of depressive symptoms was not correlated with levels of this cytokine.

The antidepressant-like effect of inosine in the FST is associated with both adenosine A1 and A 2A receptors.

Inosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside, which is formed during the breakdown of adenosine. The adenosinergic system was already described as capable of modulating mood in preclinical models; we now explored the effects of inosine in two predictive models of depression: the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Mice treated with inosine displayed higher anti-immobility in the FST (5 and 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal route (i.p.)) and in the TST (1 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) when compared to vehicle-treated groups. These antidepressant-like effects started 30 min and lasted for 2 h after intraperitoneal administration of inosine and were not accompanied by any changes in the ambulatory activity in the open-field test. Both adenosine A1 and A2A receptor antagonists prevented the antidepressant-like effect of inosine in the FST. In addition, the administration of an adenosine deaminase inhibitor (1 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) also caused an antidepressant-like effect in the FST. These results indicate that inosine possesses an antidepressant-like effect in the FST and TST probably through the activation of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, further reinforcing the potential of targeting the purinergic system to the management of mood disorders.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in post-partum depressive mothers.

UNLABELLED: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common psychiatric complication observed in women after they give birth. Some women are particularly sensitive to hormonal changes, starting in early menarche, thus increasing their vulnerability to psychological stressing agents that are triggered by environmental and physiological factors throughout their lives. Decreased serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been associated to different neuropsychiatric conditions and BDNF has been considered as a candidate marker for such dysfunctions. The goal of this study was to compare the levels of BDNF between mothers who suffer from PPD and healthy control mothers as well as to searching for associations between BDNF levels and the severity of PPD. This is a case-control study including 36 mothers with PPD and 36 healthy control mothers. PPD was defined according to the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Serum BDNF was assayed with the sandwich ELISA method. RESULTS: Serum levels of BDNF were significantly lower in women with PPD than in control mothers (P ≤ 0.03). A significant negative correlation between BDI score and serum BDNF levels was observed (P ≤ 0.02 and r = -0.29). Our study demonstrated that low BDNF levels are associated with PPD. This result point out to the potential usage of BDNF in the screening of PPD, which could promote early treatment and, therefore, reduce the burden to the PPD women and to the health system.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in women with postpartum affective disorder and suicidality.

Our aim was to investigate serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in postpartum women, according to the presence of postpartum affective disorder (PPAD) and suicidality. A cross-sectional study was carried out with women between 45 and 90 days after delivery. PPAD (depression, manic and mixed episode) and suicide risk were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. BDNF was assessed using a commercial ELISA kit. Linear regression was used for multivariate analyses. A hundred ninety women participated in the study, 15.3 % had PPAD, 7.4 % showed PPAD with suicide risk. BDNF levels were lower in subjects with three or more Stressful Life Events (P = 0.01). The serum BDNF levels of women with PPAD presenting suicide risk were significantly lower than those of women without suicide risk (1.50 ± 1.38 and 2.33 ± 1.28 ng/ml, P = 0.02). Clinicians should enquire postpartum women about their history of stressful life events, PPAD, and suicidality. This study shows the potential role of BDNF in the neurobiology of the association of PPAD and suicidality.

Eugenia uniflora fruit extract exerts neuroprotective effect on chronic unpredictable stress-induced behavioral and neurochemical changes.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of chronic administration of Eugenia uniflora fruit extract on behavioral parameters, oxidative stress markers, and acetylcholinesterase activity in an animal model of depression, which was induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Mice were divided into six groups as follows: control/vehicle (water), control/fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), control/extract (200 mg/kg), CUS/vehicle, CUS/fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), and CUS/extract (200 mg/kg). Animals of the CUS group were exposed to a series of stressors for a period of 21 days. Vehicle, fluoxetine, and hydroalcoholic extract were administered daily by gavage. Results showed that E. uniflora treatment: (a) prevented the depressant-like effect induced by CUS; (b) regulated the activity of acetylcholinesterase; (c) reduced oxidative damage to lipids and reactive oxygen species production, in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus; and (d) prevented the reduction of glutathione peroxidase in the hippocampus of animals subjected to CUS protocol. Taken together, our findings suggested that E. uniflora extract exerts a neuroprotective effect by preventing oxidative damage and decreasing CUS-induced acetylcholinesterase activity, thus, ameliorating depressive-type behavior. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: E. uniflora fruit extract revealed an antidepressant-like effect and prevented the oxidative damage as well as cholinergic alterations caused by chronic stress in mice. Therefore, we believe that the results obtained in this study can be used to develop an alternative therapy for the management of depressive disorders.

Methionine and/or Methionine Sulfoxide Alter Ectoenzymes Activities in Lymphocytes and Inflammatory Parameters in Serum from Young Rats: Acute and Chronic Effects.

In this study we investigated the effect of acute and chronic treatment with Met and/or methionine sulfoxide (MetO) on ectonucleotidases and cholinesterases activities from lymphocytes and purine derivatives compounds, C-protein reactive, interleukin-10, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in serum of young rats. Adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis was decreased in lymphocytes 1 h after treatment by MetO and Met + MetO. However, adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate hydrolysis in lymphocytes was increased in the groups MetO and Met + MetO and adenosine deaminase activity was increased in MetO 3 h after the treatment. Acetylcholinesterase activity was increased in lymphocytes after 3 h and 21 days of treatment by MetO and Met + MetO, while serum butyrycholinesterase activity was decreased after 1 h and 21 days of treatment in the same groups. In chronic treatment, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α level were increased, while that interleukin-10 level was decreased by Met, MetO, and Met + MetO when compared to control group. C-protein reactive level was increased by MetO and Met + MetO. Adenosine triphosphate and adenosine monophosphate levels were reduced in all amino acids treated groups, while adenosine diphosphate and hypoxanthine were enhanced by MetO and Met + MetO. Adenosine and xanthine were reduced in the MetO group, whereas inosine levels were decreased in the MetO and Met + MetO groups. These findings help to understand the inflammatory alterations observed in hypermethioninemia.

Vaccinium virgatum fruit extract as an important adjuvant in biochemical and behavioral alterations observed in animal model of metabolic syndrome.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) fruit extract on metabolic, behavioral and oxidative stress parameters in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of mice submitted to an experimental model of metabolic syndrome induced by a highly palatable diet (HPD). Mice C57BL/6 were divided into 4 experimental groups: (1) received standard chow and saline orally, (2) received standard chow and blueberry hydroalcoholic extract, (3) received HPD and saline orally, (4) received HPD and blueberry hydroalcoholic extract. The animals were treated for 150days. Our results showed that the animals fed with HPD presented insulin resistance, increased body weight, visceral fat, glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol when compared to the control group. The blueberry extract prevented the increase of these metabolic parameters. Also, the extract was able to reduce the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of animals submitted to HPD. In contrast, no differences were observed in the total thiol content, activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase. In addition, the HPD fed animals showed a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swimming test and blueberry prevented this alteration, although no changes were observed in the ambulatory behavior, as well as in the anxiolytic profile of these animals. Overall, our findings suggest that chronic consumption of blueberry extract exhibits hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antidepressant-like and antiperoxidative effects in an animal model of metabolic syndrome.

Polymorphism in CRHR1 gene affects the IL-1ß levels in suicidal attempters.

Approximately one million people commit suicide every year, being suicide attempts and ideation even more common. Changes in stress response and activation of the immune system have been associated with suicide risk. Here we investigated the interaction between immune system and HPA axis alterations in the suicide risk, looking for the influence of rs110402 CRHR1 SNP in the IL-1ß levels according to suicide ideation and attempt. This study evaluated 171 subjects of which 15 had suicidal ideation, 20 had suicide attempt and 136 were controls. Genotyping was performed by real-time PCR and IL-1ß levels were measured by ELISA. Our data showed that for each point increase in IL-1ß levels the risk of suicide attempt increased 5% [relative risk = 1.05 (95% CI: 1.0-1.10)]. After sample stratification by rs110402 SNP genotypes, we observed that in subjects carrying the A allele the risk raised to 15% [relative risk = 1.15 (95% CI: 1.03-1.28)], suggesting an apparent effect modification. Thus, this study showed that alterations in CRHR1 gene were associated with higher levels of IL-1ß, and increased risk for suicide, reinforcing the importance of multifactorial interactions of biological markers for psychiatric disorders.

Curcumin in depressive disorders: An overview of potential mechanisms, preclinical and clinical findings.

Considering the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders, its social burden and the limitations of currently available treatments, alternative therapeutic approaches targeting different biological pathways have been investigated. Curcumin is a natural compound with multi-faceted pharmacological properties, interacting with several neurotransmitter systems and intracellular signaling pathways involved in mood regulation. Also, curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neurotrophic effects, suggesting a strong potential to manage conditions associated with neurodegeneration, such as psychiatric disorders. Most literature data focused on the potential of curcumin to counteract behavioral and neurochemical alterations in preclinical models of depression. The findings still need to be further explored and clinical reports share some controversial results that might be associated with its low systemic bioavailability following oral administration. Other psychiatric disorders also have neurochemical alterations similar to those found in depression, including neurotoxicity, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Despite the limited number of reports, preclinical models investigated the potential role for curcumin in anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and autism spectrum disorders. Here, we will summarize the cellular targets of curcumin relevant to psychiatric disorders and its effects in preclinical and clinical studies with depression, anxiety disorders and other psychiatric related conditions.

Preventive effects of blueberry extract on behavioral and biochemical dysfunctions in rats submitted to a model of manic behavior induced by ketamine.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of blueberry extract on oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in a model of mania induced by ketamine administration in rats. Male rats were pretreated with blueberry extract (200mg/kg, once a day for 14days), lithium chloride (45mg/kg, mood stabilizer used as a positive control, twice a day for 14days), or vehicle. Between the 8th and 14th days, rats also received an injection of ketamine (25mg/kg) or vehicle. In the 15th day, thirty minutes after ketamine administration the hyperlocomotion of the animals was assessed in the open - field apparatus. Immediately after the behavioral analysis brain and blood were collected for biochemical determinations. ketamine treatment induced hyperlocomotion and oxidative damage in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum such as an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase e glutatione peroxidase). Ketamine administration also increased the IL-6 levels in serum in rats. Pretreatment of rats with blueberry extract or lithium prevented the hyperlocomotion, pro - oxidant effects and inflammation induced by ketamine. Our findings suggest that blueberry consumption has a neuroprotective potential against behavioral and biochemical dysfunctions induced in a preclinical model that mimic some aspects of the manic behavior.

Association of interleukin-10 levels with age of onset and duration of illness in patients with major depressive disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate peripheral levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and evaluate the relationship between IL-10, age of disease onset, and duration of illness. METHODS: Case-control study nested in a population-based cohort of 231 individuals (age 18-24 years) living in Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Participants were screened for psychopathology using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). Serum IL-10 was measured using commercially available immunoassay kits. RESULTS: Peripheral levels of IL-10 were not significantly different in individuals with MDD or BD as compared to controls. However, higher IL-10 levels were found in MDD patients with a later disease onset as compared with controls or early-onset patients. In addition, IL-10 levels correlated negatively with illness duration in the MDD group. In the BD group, age of onset and duration of illness did not correlate with IL-10 levels. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of IL-10 are correlated with late onset of MDD symptoms. Moreover, levels of this cytokine might decrease with disease progression, suggesting that an anti-inflammatory balance may be involved in the onset of depressive symptoms and disease progression in susceptible individuals.

Cognitive psychotherapy treatment decreases peripheral oxidative stress parameters associated with major depression disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have already pointed out the contribution of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the oxidative-antioxidative systems in MDD and in response to cognitive psychotherapies. Oxidative stress were analyzed in 49 MDD patients at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up; and 49 control subjects without history of psychiatric disorders. RESULTS: MDD subjects presented an increase in oxidative damage related to control subjects for thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), nitric oxide, and a decrease in total thiol content. Cognitive psychotherapies were able to counteract peripheral oxidative stress in MDD patients, reducing TBARS levels (p<0.001) in the follow-up, nitric oxide (p<0.001) in the post-treatment and follow-up, and increasing the total thiol content (p<0.01) in the post-treatment and follow-up. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress was associated with MDD and the regulation of these parameters might represent an important mechanism associated with the clinical improvement of cognitive psychotherapy.

Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of curcumin in a ketamine-induced model of mania in rats.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and debilitating illness characterized by recurrent manic and depressive episodes. Our research investigates the protective effects of curcumin, the main curcuminoid of the Indian spice turmeric, in a model of mania induced by ketamine administration in rats. Our results indicated that ketamine treatment (25 mg/kg, for 8 days) induced hyperlocomotion in the open-field test and oxidative damage in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HP), evaluated by increased lipid peroxidation and decreased total thiol content. Moreover, ketamine treatment reduced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in the HP. Pretreatment of rats with curcumin (20 and 50 mg/kg, for 14 days) or with lithium chloride (45 mg/kg, positive control) prevented behavioral and pro-oxidant effects induced by ketamine. These findings suggest that curcumin might be a good compound for preventive intervention in BD, reducing the episode relapse and the oxidative damage associated with the manic phase of this disorder.

Antidepressant-like effects of aqueous extract from Cecropia pachystachya leaves in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable stress.

Chronic stressful stimuli influence disease susceptibility to depression, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. The present work investigated antidepressant and antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract from Cecropia pachystachya in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Our results indicated that acute administration of the aqueous extract (AE) from C. pachystachya (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) produced an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test (FST). The chronic treatment with C. pachystachya extract (200mg/kg, p.o., for 14 days) prevented the depressant-like effect but not the anxiogenic effect induced by CUS. In addition to the behavioral modifications, the 14 days of CUS increased lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus (HP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC), decreased total thiol content and glutathione peroxidase activity in the HP. C. pachystachya AE administration during CUS protocol was able to prevent the oxidative damage induced by stress. However, no changes were observed in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in the above cited brain areas after the stress protocol and treatment. Our results suggest that C. pachystachya prevented both depressive behavior and oxidative damage induced by CUS, supporting its neuroprotective potential against behavioral and biochemical dysfunctions induced by chronic stress.