Sugar Water Consumption Research Articles

THE IMPACT OF ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE ON “BAIHUAN SHU” (BL 30) AND “HUIYANG” (BL 35) POINTS ON THE TLR4/NF-κB PATHWAY IN RATS WITH CHRONIC PROSTATITIS

The objective of this research is to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying electro-acupuncture intervention in chronic prostatitis (CP). Rats were randomly divided into five groups: a control group, a model group (suffering from CP), an electro-acupuncture group, an inhibitor group, and an activator group. One day post-modeling, electro-acupuncture intervention was conducted on the electro-acupuncture group, inhibitor group, and activator group at the acupoints “Baihuan Shu” (BL 30) and “Huiyang” (BL 35). Relevant indicators were used to evaluate the efficacy. Compared with models, the electro-acupuncture group showed significantly increased horizontal and vertical movement scores and sugar water intake, and significantly decreased prostate wet weight and prostate index. Compared with the electro-acupuncture group, the inhibitor group showed significantly increased horizontal and vertical movement scores and sugar water consumption. In contrast, for the activator group, these scores and consumption levels significantly decreased, while their prostate wet weight and prostate index increased significantly. Compared with models, the expression of TLR4 and p-NF-[Formula: see text]B/NF-[Formula: see text]B proteins in the prostate tissue of electro-acupuncture group was significantly lower. In terms of the inhibitor group, they also showed a decrease in TLR4 and p-NF-[Formula: see text]B/NF-[Formula: see text]B protein expression, whilst the activator group showed an increase. Therefore, electro-acupuncture at “Baihuan Shu” (BL 30) and “Huiyang” (BL 35) can significantly enhance movement scores, vertical movement scores, and sugar water consumption in rats with CP. Moreover, it can decrease the wet weight and index of the prostate, possibly by regulating the TLR4/NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway.

Fluoxetin suppresses tau phosphorylation and modulates the interaction between tau and tubulin in the hippocampus of CUMS rats

Depression is considered a crucial psychiatric disease correlated with neuronal-dysfunctions induced by stress-stimuli. This study aimed to investigate effect of Fluoxetine (FL) on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and explore the associated mechanisms. CUMS rat model was established by treating with lots of stresses. CUMS rats were administered FL, SB216763 (SB), Wortmannin (WT) alone or in combination. CUMS rats were administered 1 % sugar water to conduct sugar water consumption experiment. Acet-Tub, Tyr-Tub, tau46, p-tau-Ser199/202, p-tau-Ser396, p-tau-Ser231, expression was examined using immunohistochemical assay and western blotassay. Interaction between tau and tubulin was evaluated with immunoprecipitation assay. Double immunohistochemical assay was used to identify interaction between Nestin and Tau. The results indicated that FL treatment only increased sugar consumption of CUMS rats (P < 0.05), but also strengthened effects of SB and WT. FL significantly treatment decreased tau phosphorylation (p-tau) in hippocampal tissues of rats compared to those of rats in CUMS group (P < 0.05). FL treatment markedly decreased Acet-Tub and increased Tyr-Tub expression in hippocampal tissues of rats compared to those of rats in CUMS group (P < 0.05). The effects of FL treatment on p-tau down-regulation and tubulin modulation in hippocampal tissues were independent from PI3K and GSK-3 signaling pathways. FL treatment could also enhance proliferation and total tau of newborn neurons of CUMS rats. FL treatment strengthened interaction between tau and botulin in hippocampal tissues of CUMS rats. In conclusion, Fluoxetin suppressed phosphorylation of tau and modulated the interaction between tau and tubulin in hippocampus of adult CUMS rats.

Effect of antidepressants on bone mineral density and bone metabolism in ovariectomized depressed rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of antidepressants on bone mineral density and bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats with depression. Methods: 48 female rats were randomly and equally assigned to six groups, namely, sham (Sn), ovariectomized depression (OD), ovariectomized depression rats treated with sertraline (ODs), citalopram (ODx), reboxetine (ODr), and venlafaxine groups (ODw). Behavioral alterations and bone-related parameters were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, ODs, ODx, ODw, and ODr groups had higher levels of horizontal and vertical exercise scores, sugar water consumption, osteoclasts, and serum CTX-1 (p &lt; 0.05) compared to OD group. Osteocytes, serum serotonin (5-HT), osteocalcin (BGP), and type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide (PINP) were significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05) after treatment in ODs, ODx, ODw, and ODr groups. A positive correlation was observed between 5-HT, BGP, PINP, and whole-body bone mineral density (r = 0.931, 0.907, and 0.843, p &lt; 0.05) respectively, while a negative correlation was observed between collagen type I C-terminal propeptide (CTX-I) and bone mineral density (r = -0.855, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Antidepressants reduce bone mineral density and osteocyte proliferation, while increasing osteoclast proliferation. These effects are associated with reductions in 5-HT, PINP and BGP levels, and increase in CTX-I.

Design and synthesis of novel PDE4 inhibitors as potential candidates for antidepressant agents

PDE4 inhibitors exhibit anti-stress and antidepressant-like abilities by catalyzing the hydrolysis of cAMP, a primary regulator for intracellular communication in the brain. Herein, novel diarylpyrazole derivatives are synthesized and investigated for their ability to inhibit PDE4. In vitro studies indicate that most of the synthesized compounds show significant potency for the inhibition of PDE4. Specifically, N-(4-(3-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1 H-pyrazol-5-yl)benzyl)-2-morpholinoethan-1-amine exhibits the most potent PDE4 inhibition, with an IC50 value of ca. 0.09 μM. It also produces antidepressant-like activities in sugar water consumption and in forced swimming tests in vivo.

Study on mechanisms of acupuncture underlying improvement of CUMS-induced depression in rats based on tandem mass spectrometry proteomics technique

To investigate the possible mechanism of "regulating qi and relieving depression" acupuncture underlying improvement of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in rats by using Tandem Mass Tags(TMT) quantitative proteomics technique. Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and acupuncture groups, with 12 rats in each group. The depression model was induced by CUMS stress for 21 days. After the depression model was successfully established, the rats in the acupuncture group received manual acupuncture stimulation at "Baihui" (GV20) and "Yintang" (GV24+) for 20 min, once daily for 21 days. Open field test, sugar water preference test and forced swimming test (FST) were used to evaluate the behavioral changes. TMT quantitative proteomics was used to obtain differential proteins in the hippocampus tissue and related signaling pathways enrichment was analyzed, followed by verifying differential protein pathways by using Western blot and immunofluorescence methods. Behavior tests showed that on the 21st and 42nd days, the horizontal crossing times, walking distance and percentage of sugar water consumption were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the immobility time of FST was obviously increased (P<0.05) in the model group relevant to the control group. After acupuncture intervention, the horizontal crossing times, walking distance and percentage of sugar water consumption were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the immobility time was apparently decreased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group relevant to the model group. The TMT quantitative proteomics of hippocampus tissue displayed that of the 71 differential proteins (model group vs control group), 32 was down-regulated and 39 up-regulated in the model group; and among the above 71 differential proteins, there were 20 differential proteins between acupuncture group and model group, 15 down-regulated and 5 up-regulated in the acupuncture group (vs the model group). The expression of Mapk8ipl was up-regulated in the model group (vs the control group) and down-regulated in the acupuncture group (vs the model group). GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these acupuncture-related differential proteins mainly involve the regulation of blood coagulation system, MAPK signaling pathway, etc. We selected the MAPK/JNK signaling pathway related to depression for verification. Western blot showed that the expression levels of c-JUN and phosphorylated c-JUN terminal kinase (p-JNK) proteins in the hippocampus were up-regulated in the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.05); while the expression levels of c-JUN and p-JNK proteins in the hippocampus were down-regulated in the acupuncture group relevant to the model group (P<0.05). The results of immunofluorescence showed that the mean fluorescence intensity of c-JUN and p-JNK in hippocampal CA1, CA3 and DG regions was increased in the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.05), while the mean fluorescence intensity of c-JUN and p-JNK in hippocampal CA1, CA3 and DG regions was obviously lower in the acupuncture group than in the model group (P<0.05). Acupuncture for "regulating qi and relieving depression" can significantly improve depression-like behavior in CUMS-induced depression model rats, which involves multiple targets and multiple pathways, including MAPK/JNK signaling.

Effects of electroacupuncture at "Siguan" points on the expression of colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine and fecal short-chain fatty acids in rats with post-stroke depression

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at "Siguan" points on behavior, colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in rats with post-stroke depression (PSD), and explore the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture at Siguan points on PSD. Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group, a stroke group, a PSD group, a drug group and an electroacupuncture group, with 10 rats in each one. The stroke model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method in the stroke group; except for the sham-operation group, the rats in the other groups were intervened with MCAO combined with solitary and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to establish PSD model. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was delivered at "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3), with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/10 Hz in frequency, for 30 min in each intervention, once daily, for consecutive 21 days. Simultaneously, distilled water (0.01 L•kg-1•d-1) was administrated intragastrically. Fluoxetine solution (2.33 mg•kg-1•d-1) was given by gavage , once a day and for 21 days in the drug group. The same procedure of fixation and gavage with distilled water were adopted in the sham-operation group, the stroke group and the PSD group. Separately, before stroke modeling, after PSD modeling and after 21-day intervention, the consumption of sugar water and the scores of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were observed. After 21-day intervention, the content of colonic 5-HT was detected by immunohistochemical method, and that of fecal SCFAs was determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. After PSD modeling, compared with the stroke group, the sugar water consumption, the horizontal movement scores and vertical movement scores of the open-field test were all reduced in the PSD group, the drug group and the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). After 21-day intervention, the sugar water consumption and the scores of horizontal movement and vertical movement of the open-field test were increased in the drug group and the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05) when compared with the PSD group; and the horizontal movement score in the electroacupuncture group was lower than that of the drug group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the contents of total fecal SCFAs and acetic acid were lower in the stroke group (P<0.05), and the contents of colonic 5-HT and total fecal SCFAs, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid were reduced in the PSD group (P<0.05). In comparison with the PSD group, the contents of colonic 5-HT and total fecal SCFAs, acetic acid and propionic acid were increased in the drug group and the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05); and the content of colonic 5-HT in the electroacupuncture group was lower than that of the drug group (P<0.05). The level of colonic 5-HT was positively correlated with the contents of total fecal SCFAs and propionic acid (r=0.424, P=0.005; r=0.427, P=0.004). Electroacupuncture at "Siguan" points can relieve the depression-like behavior of PSD rats, and its underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of fecal SCFAs, which affects the release of colonic 5-HT.

Effects of electroacupuncture at "Siguan" points on the expression of colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine and fecal short-chain fatty acids in rats with post-stroke depression

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at "Siguan" points on behavior, colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in rats with post-stroke depression (PSD), and explore the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture at Siguan points on PSD.Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group, a stroke group, a PSD group, a drug group and an electroacupuncture group, with 10 rats in each one. The stroke model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method in the stroke group; except for the sham-operation group, the rats in the other groups were intervened with MCAO combined with solitary and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to establish PSD model. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was delivered at "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3), with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/10 Hz in frequency, for 30 min in each intervention, once daily, for consecutive 21 days. Simultaneously, distilled water (0.01 L•kg-1•d-1) was administrated intragastrically. Fluoxetine solution (2.33 mg•kg-1•d-1) was given by gavage , once a day and for 21 days in the drug group. The same procedure of fixation and gavage with distilled water were adopted in the sham-operation group, the stroke group and the PSD group. Separately, before stroke modeling, after PSD modeling and after 21-day intervention, the consumption of sugar water and the scores of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were observed. After 21-day intervention, the content of colonic 5-HT was detected by immunohistochemical method, and that of fecal SCFAs was determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry.After PSD modeling, compared with the stroke group, the sugar water consumption, the horizontal movement scores and vertical movement scores of the open-field test were all reduced in the PSD group, the drug group and the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). After 21-day intervention, the sugar water consumption and the scores of horizontal movement and vertical movement of the open-field test were increased in the drug group and the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05) when compared with the PSD group; and the horizontal movement score in the electroacupuncture group was lower than that of the drug group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the contents of total fecal SCFAs and acetic acid were lower in the stroke group (P<0.05), and the contents of colonic 5-HT and total fecal SCFAs, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid were reduced in the PSD group (P<0.05). In comparison with the PSD group, the contents of colonic 5-HT and total fecal SCFAs, acetic acid and propionic acid were increased in the drug group and the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05); and the content of colonic 5-HT in the electroacupuncture group was lower than that of the drug group (P<0.05). The level of colonic 5-HT was positively correlated with the contents of total fecal SCFAs and propionic acid (r=0.424, P=0.005; r=0.427, P=0.004).Electroacupuncture at "Siguan" points can relieve the depression-like behavior of PSD rats, and its underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of fecal SCFAs, which affects the release of colonic 5-HT.目的：观察电针“四关”穴对卒中后抑郁（PSD）大鼠行为学、结肠5-羟色胺（5-HT）、粪便短链脂肪酸（SCFAs）的影响，探讨电针四关穴治疗PSD的作用机制。方法：将50只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、卒中组、PSD组、药物组和电针组，每组10只。除假手术组外，其余各组采用大脑中动脉栓塞（MCAO）法制备卒中模型；除假手术组和卒中组外，其余组大鼠采用MCAO结合孤养和慢性不可预知性温和应激（CUMS）法制备PSD模型。电针组予电针“合谷”“太冲”干预，疏密波，频率2 Hz/10 Hz，每次30 min，每日1次，持续21 d，同时予蒸馏水（0.01 L•kg-1•d-1）灌胃；药物组予氟西汀溶液（2.33 mg•kg-1•d-1）灌胃，每日1次，持续21 d；假手术组、卒中组、PSD组予同等固定束缚、蒸馏水灌胃。分别于卒中造模前、PSD造模后、干预21 d后观察大鼠糖水消耗量及敞箱实验水平运动得分、垂直运动得分；干预21 d后，采用免疫组化法检测结肠5-HT水平，气相质谱法测定粪便短链脂肪酸含量。结果：PSD造模后，与卒中组比较，PSD组、药物组、电针组大鼠糖水消耗量及敞箱实验水平运动得分、垂直运动得分均降低（P<0.05）。干预21 d后，与PSD组比较，药物组、电针组糖水消耗量及敞箱实验水平运动得分、垂直运动得分均升高（P<0.05）；电针组水平运动得分低于药物组（P<0.05）。与假手术组比较，卒中组粪便总短链脂肪酸及乙酸含量均降低（P<0.05），PSD组结肠5-HT水平及粪便总短链脂肪酸、乙酸、丙酸、丁酸含量均降低（P<0.05）；与PSD组比较，药物组和电针组结肠5-HT水平及粪便总短链脂肪酸、乙酸、丙酸含量均升高（P<0.05）；电针组结肠5-HT水平低于药物组（P<0.05）。结肠5-HT水平与粪便总短链脂肪酸、丙酸含量存在正相关关系（r=0.424，P=0.005；r=0.427，P=0.004）。结论：电针“四关”穴可改善PSD大鼠抑郁样行为，可能与调控粪便短链脂肪酸含量，从而影响结肠5-HT释放有关。.

The pharmacological mechanism of Xiaoyaosan polysaccharide reveals improvement of CUMS-induced depression-like behavior by carbon source-triggered butyrate-producing bacteria.

Here, regulatory effects of Xiaoyaosan polysaccharide on entire intestinal flora and butyrate-producing bacteria were investigated to reveal their pharmacological mechanism serving as bacterial-derived carbon sources for regulating intestinal microecology during the treatment of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in rats. The effects were measured by analyzing depression-like behavior, intestinal flora, butyrate-producing bacteria diversity, and fecal butyrate content. After intervention, CUMS rats exhibited alleviated depression and increased body weight, sugar water consumption rate, and performance index in the open-field test (OFT). The abundance of dominant phyla, such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and dominant genera, such as Lactobacillus and Muribaculaceae, was regulated to restore the diversity and abundance of the entire intestinal flora to a healthy level. The polysaccharide enriched the diversity of butyrate-producing bacteria, increased the abundance of the butyrate-producing bacteria Roseburia sp. and Eubacterium sp., reduced the abundance of Clostridium sp., increased the distribution of Anaerostipes sp., Mediterraneibacter sp., and Flavonifractor sp., and subsequently increased the content of butyrate in the intestine. These findings suggest that the Xiaoyaosan polysaccharide alleviates unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like chronic behavior in rats by regulating the composition and abundance of the entire intestinal flora, restoring the diversity of butyrate-producing bacteria, and increasing the butyrate levels.

Maresin-1 improves LPS-induced depressive-like behavior by inhibiting hippocampal microglial activation

Maresin-1 is an antiphlogistic agonist synthesized by macrophages from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It has both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory properties and has been found to enhance neuroprotection and cognitive function. However, there is limited knowledge of its effects on depression and the potential mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the effects of Maresin-1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive symptoms and neuroinflammation were investigated in mice and the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms were further clarified. Maresin-1 treatment (5 μg/kg, i.p.) led to improved tail suspension times, as well as distances moved in an open-field test but it did not improve reductions in sugar-water consumption in mice with depressive-like behaviors induced by LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p.); TSPO PETCT scanning showed that Maresin-1 reduced the standardized uptake value (SUV) of [18 F] DPA-714 in brain regions associated with depression (e.g., hippocampus and pre-frontal cortex), while immunofluorescence of hippocampal and indicated that Maresin-1 inhibited microglial activation reducing the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and NLRP3. The RNA sequencing of mouse hippocampi showed that genes expressed differentially between Maresin-1-treated and LPS-treated tissue were associated with tight connections between cells and the stress-activated MAPK cascade negative regulatory pathways. Overall, this study demonstrates that peripheral application of Maresin-1 could partially relieve LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors and showed for the first time that this effect was related to its anti-inflammatory action on microglia, thus providing new clues for the pharmacological mechanism underlying the anti-depression properties of Maresin-1.

Exploring the Mechanism of Action of Trachelospermi Caulis et Folium for Depression Based on Experiments: Combining Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

To reveal the safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action of Trachelospermi Caulis et Folium (TCEF) for treating depression. The maximum dose method was employed to evaluate the safety of TCEF, and its antidepressant activity was assessed using the tail suspension and sugar water depletion tests. The main components of TCEF were determined using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q-EOMS). The active ingredients and their action targets were obtained using network pharmacology with SwissADME and SwissTargetPrediction screening, and the targets of depression were obtained using GeneCards, DrugBank, etc. The drug and depression-related targets were intersected and analyzed via PPI network, GO, and KEGG. Subsequently, the binding ability of the core components of TCEF to the core targets was validated via molecular docking and simulation. No statistically significant difference was observed between the normal and TCEF groups in terms of body weight, visceral index, and biochemical parameters (P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, all dose groups of TCEF had reduced the immobility time of tail suspension (P < 0.05) and increased the rate of sugar water consumption (P < 0.05). UHPLC-Q-EOMS was employed to identify 59 major components of TCEF, and network pharmacology analysis was used to screen 48 active components of TCEF for treating depression, corresponding to 139 relevant targets, including ALB, AKT1, TNF, ESR1, and CTNNB1. The involved pathways include neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. The molecular docking results indicated that the core components have a good binding activity to the core targets. TCEF is a relatively safe antidepressant medicine that exerts therapeutic effects through multiple components, targets, and pathways, providing a new idea and theoretical basis for future use of TCEF to treat depression.

Effects of black rice anthocyanins on the behavior and intestinal microbiota of mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress

In order to study the effect of black rice anthocyanins (BRACs) on the behavior and intestinal microbiota of depression model mice, depression model mice were induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The anhedonia of BRACs treated mice was evaluated by sucrose preference test. The open field experiment was used to analyze the behavior of the mice. The species differences of intestinal microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequence. The results showed that compared with the normal group, the body weight and sugar water consumption rate of mice in the model group were significantly decreased, and the voluntary activities were significantly weakened. The species richness and diversity of intestinal microbiota of mice in the model group were significantly decreased. The levels of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria at the phylum level were increased, the levels of Firmicutes were decreased, and the levels of Lactobacillus at the genus level were decreased. Compared with model group, the body weight and sugar water consumption of mice in BRACs treated group were significantly increased, the autonomous activity was significantly increased and the difference was extremely significant, the species richness and diversity of intestinal microbiota increased, and the levels of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria decreased, while the levels of Firmicutes increased. The level of lactic acid bacteria increased at the genus level. In summary, BRACs achieve antidepressant effects by regulating intestinal microbiota homeostasis.

Toxicity and Sublethal Effects of Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) Bulb Powder on Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta).

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale L.) is a medicinal plant as it contains high concentrations of colchicine. In this study, we reported that the ground powder of autumn crocus bulb is highly toxic to invasive Solenopsis invicta Buren, commonly referred to as red imported fire ants (RIFAs). Ants fed with sugar water containing 5000 mg/L of bulb powder showed 54.67% mortality in three days compared to 45.33% mortality when fed with sugar water containing 50 mg/L of colchicine. Additionally, the effects of short-term feeding with sugar water containing 1 mg/L of colchicine and 100 mg/L of autumn crocus bulb powder were evaluated for RIFAs’ colony weight, food consumption, and aggressiveness, i.e., aggregation, grasping ability, and walking speed. After 15 days of feeding, the cumulative colony weight loss reached 44.63% and 58.73% due to the sublethal concentrations of colchicine and autumn crocus bulb powder, respectively. The consumption of sugar water and mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) was substantially reduced. The aggregation rates decreased 48.67% and 34.67%, grasping rates were reduced to 38.67% and 16.67%, and walking speed decreased 1.13 cm/s and 0.67 cm/s as a result of the feeding of the two sublethal concentrations of colchicine and autumn crocus bulb powder, respectively. Our results for the first time show that powder derived from autumn crocus bulbs could potentially be a botanical pesticide for controlling RIFAs, and application of such a product could be ecologically benign due to its rapid biodegradation in the environment.

The Effects of Fresh Watermelon Juice Consumption on Satiety, Postprandial Glucose, Insulin Response, and Topical Application on Skin Health in Healthy Adults

Abstract Objectives Multiple studies have examined the effects of fresh watermelon, watermelon juice, or watermelon powder on satiety and skin health; however, few studies have addressed the effects of blenderized (flesh, rind, and seeds) watermelon juice. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of blenderized watermelon juice consumption on satiety, postprandial glucose, insulin response, and topical application on skin health in healthy adults. Methods In a crossover design, subjects (N = 20, 16 females, 4 males, age 22.8 ± 2.5 y, BMI 22.6 ± 2.80 kg/m2) consumed 8 fl oz of either blenderized watermelon juice or isocaloric sugar water. After an overnight fast, blood glucose and insulin levels were measured at baseline, and at 30 and 60 minutes after drink consumption. Measurements for satiety using a visual analogue scale and skin health using a moisture content test were conducted at baseline, right after, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after consumption and topical application of the juices. Results Both blenderized watermelon and sugar water significantly increased satiety (P &amp;lt; 0.001) but there was no difference between the two trials. Postprandial glucose (P = 0.030) and insulin levels (P = 0.007) significantly increased after the consumption of sugar water compared to blenderized watermelon juice. Topical application of blenderized watermelon juice on the skin significantly increased skin moisture level (P = 0.012) compared to the sugar water application. Conclusions The consumption of blenderized watermelon promoted satiety, stabilized postprandial glucose and insulin levels, and improved skin health. These results suggest that blenderized watermelon juice may be beneficial for those who are overweight or obese and/or are at risk of developing diabetes. Further watermelon studies are warranted to examine long-term effects. Funding Sources National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB 19-20).

Effects of depth-dependent irrigation regimes and organomineral fertilizers on water use and quality attributes of sugar beet

Experiments were conducted under provincial conditions of Kayseri, Turkey, for two years in the growing seasons of 2014 and 2015 to determine the effects of irrigation water applications based on different sugar beet root zone depths and different organomineral fertilizers on sugar beet yield, root quality, water consumption, and water use efficiency. Two constant root depths (D1 = 0.9 m and D2 = 0.6 m) and one active water extraction root depth (D3= 0.4-0.9 m) were investigated. A mineral fertilizer (F1), an organomineral fertilizer (F2), and organic + mineral fertilizer (F3) were considered as the subtreatments in the experiments carried out in a completely randomized block split-split plots design with 3 replications. Despite the lower nitrogen and phosphorus quantities applied, the F2 treatment produced the same sugar beet root yield (95.31 t/ha) as F1 (88.59 t/ha) and F3 (94.56 t/ha) treatments. The irrigation water requirements of D1 for two years were 22.8% and 27.6% greater than the D2 and D3 treatments, respectively. Irrigation water use efficiencies of D2 and D3 treatments were higher than D1. Digestion and recoverable sugar percent and Na, K, and N contents of roots were not affected significantly by the treatments. Using organomineral fertilizers would offer various advantages for disposing of huge urban waste deposits and returning organic matter to agricultural areas. Use of active root water extraction depth or 0.60-m root depth for irrigation applications will also contribute to efficient use of water resources and improve the income of sugar beet farmers due to reduced irrigation costs.

A pilot study to improve sugar and water consumption in Maltese school children.

Excessive sugar consumption remains implicated as one of the key dietary factors that has been linked to overweight and obesity in children. Schools have been identified as an important setting for health promotion interventions in children and can be successful in bringing about dietary behavioral change when well designed. The main aim of the study was to conduct a pilot intervention study and assess the possible effects of educational and environmental methodological components on sugar intake and water consumption in Maltese school children. Face-to-face educational sessions for children and parents were supported by written materials and provision of free drinking water for children for a 12 week period in the school setting. Two main dietary outcomes were measured: non-milk extrinsic sugars(NMES) intake (measured as g/day) and water consumption (measured as servings/day), measured in the pre- and post-intervention periods. The dietary outcomes were measured at school using the novel online dietary assessment tool, REALITYMALTA™. 55 children, aged 10-11 years, were recruited, and 48 provided diet data at baseline and end. A reduction in mean energy intakes was noted from 7733 kJ/day (SD 2046) to 6809 (SD 2224) kJ/day (p = 0.03), with water servings intake increased and NMES intake decreased but results not statistically significant. Parent attendance at the educational sessions was low. A larger scale study, including multi-level analysis is recommended. Modifying the content of the intervention and finding ways to increase parent engagement should be considered in future.

Active substance fractions and effects of Shugan Hewei Tang on hippocampal meurotransmitters in rat model of chronic stress-induced depression

To study the antidepressant effect of Shugan Hewei Tang on chronic stress depression model rats, and select the effective substance fractions. Several male SD rats were randomly divided into 17 groups: blank control group, model group, positive control group(fluoxetine), Shugan Hewei Tang high and low dose groups, 6 high and low dose groups of different substance fractions. After modeling for 3 weeks and administration for 1 week, the effective substance fractions were selected according to the body mass and behavioral performance of SD rats in each group; several neurotransmitters in hippocampus of rats were determined by LC-MS/MS method, including norepinephrine(NE), serotonin(5-HT), 5-indoleacetic acid(5-HIAA), r-aminobutyric acid(GABA), and glutamic acid(Glu). Behavioral results after modeling showed that as compared with the blank group, the body mass growth of the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01); the sugar water consumption was reduced(P<0.01); the distance between the open field and the number of crossing the central area were also significantly reduced(P<0.01, P<0.01); the resting time was increased significantly(P<0.01); and the forced swimming time was significantly prolonged(P<0.01), indicating that the depression model was effective. After intragastric administration, as compared with the model group, the above detection indicators of volatile oils, total polysaccharides and terpenoid in Fluoxetine, Shugan Hewei Tang groups were all changed(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The levels of NE, 5-HT and GABA in the hippocampus of the model group were significantly lower than those in the blank group(P<0.01), and the levels of 5-HIAA and Glu were significantly increased(P<0.01). As compared with the model group, neurotransmitters of the treatment groups were changed obviously or significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Shugan Hewei Tang showed obvious anti-depressant effects, and the volatile oils, total polysaccharides and terpenoids acted as the main active substances. The mechanism of anti-depression may be related to its regulation of various neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus.

Effects of Baihe Dihuang powder on chronic stress depression rat models.

PurposeExplore the effect of Baihe Dihuang powder on chronic stress depression rat models.MethodsChronic stress depression rat models were established with different stimuli for 21 days. At the same time, the drug was administered for 21 consecutive days. The animals were weighed once a week after the start of the formal experiment. On the second day after the end of drug administration, conduct sugar water consumption test and open-filed box experiment, and conduct behavioral observation; At the end of behavioral testing, blood was taken from the eyeball and plasma was separated to measure MDA level and erythrocyte SOD activity; Take brain for homogenate, then measure the contents of 5-HT, NE and DA in brain tissue homogenate; Take the thymus and spleen, stained with 10% formalin fixation, embedding and HE staining, then use microscope to observe the histopathological changes.ResultsChronic stress depression rats model replicated successfully. Each group of given drugs could increase the weight, the consumption of sugar water, and improve the behavioral score, increase erythrocytes SOD activity and decrease MDA level of plasma, increase the content of 5-HT, NE and DA of brain homogenate, and improve the pathological changes of thymus and spleen of chronic stress depression model animals.ConclusionChronic stress depression rat model replicates successfully. Baihe Dihuang powder can interfere chronic stress depression rats model through different action pathways.

Effect of chaihu-shugan-san on the behaviors and Notch1 signal pathway in depression model rats

Objective To investigate the effect of chaihu-shugan-san (CSS) on the behaviors and Notch1 signal pathway in depression model rats. Methods Thirty-two SD rats with similar behavioral scores were divided into control group (CON), model group (CUMS), positive control group (FLU) and intervention group (CSS). The depression model was established by stimulating with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and the behaviors evaluation was assessed by sugar water consumption and forced depression.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the proliferation of hippocampus neurons in rats, at the same time, real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of each factor (Notch1, Hes1, Hes5 and Jagged1) of Notch1 signal pathway respectively. Results Compared with CON group, the percentage of sugar water preference and swimming length of rats decreased significantly in CUMS group (P<0.05 and P<0.01). Compared with CUMS group, the percentage of sugar water preference and swimming length of rats increased significantly in CSS group(P<0.05). Compared with CON group, there was a significant increase in the inactivity length of rats between CUMS group, FLU group and CSS group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Compared with CUMS group, the swimming length of rats in CSS group was significantly reduced, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Compared with CON group((750.00±27.51)/mm2), the number of BrdU positive cells in the substratum or granulocyte layer of the hippocampus dentate gyrus of rats in CUMS group ((338.75±29.61)/mm2), FLU group ((545.00±17.73)/mm2) and CSS group ((529.38±13.74)/mm2) was significantly reduced(P<0.01). Compared with CUMS group ((338.75±29.61)/mm2), there was a significant increase in the number of BrdU positive cells in the substratum or granulocyte layer of the hippocampus dentate gyrus of rats in CSS group ((529.38±13.74)/mm2), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Compared with CON group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1, Hes1, Hes5, and Jagged1 in the hippocampus of rats in CUMS group were significantly reduced(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with CUMS group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1, Hes1, Hes5 and Jagged1 in the hippocampus of rats in FLU group and CSS group were significantly increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion Notch1 signal pathway may be related to the obstacle during the hippocampus nerve regenerating in the model rat under chronic unpredictable mild stress.CSS may play an anti-depressant role by regulating Notchl to improve hippocampus nerve regeneration. Key words: Chaihu-shugan-san(CSS); Chronic unpredictable mild stress; Depression; Notch1 signal pathway

Effect of Wutou decoction on depression and anxiety induced by neuropathic pain mice

Objective To observe the effects of Wutou decoction (WTD) on Anxiety and Depression induced by the L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) mice. Methods The ICR male mice were randomly divided into sham, SNL, high-dose, medium-dose and low-dose group of Wutou decoction, and Pregabalin group, with 24 in each group. Except the sham group, SNL models were prepared in the remaining groups of mice. After successful modeling, the high, medium, and low dosages were administered with 12.60, 6.30, 3.15 g/kg of Wutou decoction, and pregabalin group was administered with 0.25 g/kg of pregabalin, and the sham group and the model group was given an equal volume of normal saline. All the administration was once per day, continuously last for 21 days. On the 7/14/21th days after the operation, the depressive and eanxiety behavior were evaluated by the tests of the sugar water consumption, the open field and forced swimming detection. In addition, the number of the positive cells expressing the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) in hippocampus were analyzed on Day 7/14/21 in each group by Immunohistochemistry and the expression of both p-ERK and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the hippocampus were analyzed on Day 21 by Western blot. Results At 7, 14, and 21th day after administration, compared with the model group, the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold of mice (0.76 ± 0.21 vs. 0.05 ± 0.03), (0.93 ± 0.33 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01), (1.12 ± 0.20 vs. 0.04 ± 0.01) in the high dose group of Wutou decoction respectively increased (P<0.01), and sugar consumption (1.86 ± 0.44 g vs. 0.84± 0.23 g), (1.84 ± 0.10 g vs. 1.02 ± 0.18 g), (1.63 ± 0.31 g vs. 0.75 ± 0.23 g) significantly increased (P<0.01), and immobility time 4 min after swimming (128.90 ± 35.27 s vs. 180.30 ± 21.81 s), (125.50 ± 23.07 s vs. 195.30 ± 27.70 s), (169.50 ± 23.07 s vs. 207.50 ± 7.46 s) significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the retention time in the central area of the open field (35.35 ± 7.61 s vs. 13.90 ± 2.27 s), (26.26 ± 3.61 s vs.13.08 ± 1.98 s), (24.04 ± 6.57 s vs. 10.62 ± 3.38 s) significantly increased (P<0.01). After 21 days, the number of p-ERK positive cells in the high-dose group of Wutou decoction (11.00 ± 4.89 vs. 33.67 ± 7.35 ) was siginificantly lower than that of the model group, and the hippocampus p-ERK protein (0.15 ± 0.09 vs. 0.54 ± 0.04) siginificantly decreased, and the expression of PSD95 protein (0.32 ± 0.04 vs. 0.57 ± 0.09) siginificantly decreased (P<0.01). Conclusions The Wutou decoction achieved significant anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects, and regulated p-ERK expression levels of hippocampus in the late stage of NP. Key words: Wu Tou Tang; Pain; Depression; Anxiety; Extracellular signal-regulated kinase; Postsynaptic density protein 95; Mice

Effect of acupuncture treatment on gene expression of neurotransmitters of brain tissue in rats with post-stroke depression

To observe the effects of acupuncture on mRNA of the neurotransmitter serotonin transporter (5-HTT), 5-HT1Areceptor (5-HT1AR), norepinephrineα2 receptor (NEα2R) in brain tissue in rats with post-stroke depression. Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a medication group and an acupuncture group, 10 rats in each one. The model of post-stroke depression was established by occlusion of middle cerebral artery and chronic unpredictable mild stress method. After model was successfully established, the rats in the normal group and model group received no treatment; the rats in medication group were treated with intragastric administration of fluoxetine (2 mg/kg); the rats in acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV 20), "Fengfu" (GV 16), "Shenmen" (HT 7) and "Taichong" (LR 3) for 20 min, during which manual stimulation was given once, once a day, 7 days as one course, and totally 3 courses were given with an interval of one day between courses. The changes of rat behavior and 5-HT, NE were observed after intervention; the RT-PCR method was applied to observe the mRNA of 5-HTT, 5-HT1AR, NEα2R in hippocampus, raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus. After treatment, compared with the normal group, the Zea Longa score in the model group was increased, while sugar water consumption, the number of horizontal and vertical movement of open-field test was reduced (all P<0.01); compared with the model group, the Zea Longa score in the medication group and acupuncture group was reduced, while sugar water consumption, the number of horizontal and vertical movement of open-field test were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05); compared between the medication group and acupuncture group, the behavior changes were not significantly different (all P>0.05). After treatment, compared with the normal group, the content of 5-HT and NE in brain tissue and mRNA expression of 5-HTT, 5-HT1AR in hippocampus, raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus in the model group were reduced (all P<0.01), but the mRNA expression of NEα2R was increased (P<0.01);compared with the model group, the content of 5-HT and NE in brain tissue and mRNA expression of 5-HTT, 5-HT1AR in hippocampus, raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus in the medication group and acupuncture group were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the mRNA expression of NEα2R was reduced (all P<0.01). The differences between medication group and acupuncture group were not significantly different (all P>0.05). Acupuncture could significantly improve behavioral change in rats with post-stroke depression, which may be related to the regulation of 5-HT, NE in cerebral cortex as well as mRNA expressions of 5-HTT, 5-HT1AR, NEα2R in hippocampus, raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus.