Serum Serotonin Levels Research Articles

Probiotic supplementation for reducing psychological symptoms in cancer patients on chemotherapy: A pilot trial

BackgroundPsychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and stress, are prevalent among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Probiotics have been investigated as a potential supplement to modulate the gut–brain axis and improve psychological symptoms, possibly through mechanisms such as serotonin regulation. However, studies on the effects of probiotics on psychological symptoms in chemotherapy patients are limited. MethodsThis randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot trial was conducted at the outpatient clinic of dr. Kariadi Hospital, Semarang, in 2023. Sixty-one cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were enrolled and randomised into an intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 31) group. The intervention group received probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52) twice daily for eight weeks. The primary outcomes were changes in depression, anxiety, and stress levels measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 42 (DASS-42). The secondary outcome was serum serotonin levels. ResultsThe intervention group showed a significant decrease in total DASS-42 scores (p = 0.001), indicating an overall reduction in psychological distress. However, changes in the scores of the subscales (depression, anxiety, and stress) were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Serum serotonin levels increased in the intervention group, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.38). The findings should be interpreted cautiously due to small sample size and potential confounding factors. ConclusionThis pilot study suggests that eight weeks of probiotic supplementation may reduce overall psychological symptoms in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Larger trials with rigorous controls and longer interventions are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Humoral serotonin and neuropsychological status of patients with dizziness

Dizziness is often accompanied by affective disorders such as anxiety and depression, in the occurrence of which the role of the serotonergic system is discussed.Objective: to investigate the serotonin content in blood serum and neuropsychological status in patients with vestibular and non-vestibular dizziness.Material and methods. The study included 97 patients. Two observation groups were formed according to the type of dizziness complaints. The first group (n=47) comprised patients with vestibular (systemic) dizziness against a background of peripheral vestibulopathy, the second group (n=35) comprised patients with non-vestibular (non-systemic) dizziness with a diagnosis of probable persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD). The control group (n=15) consisted of patients without complaints of dizziness. Neurological and otoneurological status, psychoemotional parameters (level of anxiety and depression) and cognitive functions were analyzed, and the quantitative level of serotonin in blood serum was determined by enzyme immunoassay.Results. The study revealed a significant decrease in the serum serotonin levels in vestibular and non-vestibular dizziness; a lower serotonin level was found in non-vestibular dizziness (p<0.05). The presence of affective disorders did not correlate with a decrease in serotonin levels in vestibular dizziness against a background of peripheral vestibulopathy. It is assumed that a decrease in serotonin content plays a role in pathogenesis of vestibular dizziness on the background of peripheral part of vestibular system involvement.Conclusion. We demonstrated possibility of using the level of serotonin in peripheral blood as an objective laboratory marker of vestibular and non-vestibular dizziness in general clinical medical practice.

No reduced serum serotonin levels in patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

Approximately 10-20% of patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), presenting with fatigue and neurocognitive dysfunction along various other symptoms. Recent studies suggested a possible role of a virally induced decrease in peripheral serotonin concentration in the pathogenesis of PASC. We set out to verify this finding in an independent and well-defined cohort of PASC patients from our post-COVID-19 outpatient clinic. We performed a retrospective case-control study including 34 confirmed PASC patients and 14 healthy controls. Clinical assessment encompassed physician examination as well as questionnaire based evaluation. Eligibility required ongoing symptoms for at least 6 months post-PCR-confirmed infection, relevant fatigue (CFS ≥ 4), and no other medical conditions. Serum serotonin was determined by LC-MS/MS technique. Serum serotonin levels in PASC patients did not significantly differ from healthy controls. Most subjects had normal serotonin levels, with no subnormal readings. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in serotonin levels based according to predominant fatigue type, high overall fatigue score or depression severity. We postulate that peripheral serotonin is no reliable biomarker for PASC and that it should not be used in routine diagnostic. Therapy of PASC with serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or tryptophane supplementation should not be based solely on the assumption of lowered serotonin levels.

Study the Effect of Drakshasava on Dopamine, Serotonin and Cortisol Levels and Behavioural Changes in Acute and Chronic Stress Model in Wistar Rats

Drakshasava is a formulation used as a general tonic also for anxiety, anaemia in the Ayurveda. Our previous study reports for antidepressant property were very promising. This study aims to elucidate the antidepressant mechanisms of Drakshasava by examining its effects on key neurotransmitters and stress hormones, as well as observing related behavioral changes in Wistar rats under stress models. Methods: Wistar rats weighing 150-200 gms were divided into six groups consisting of 6 rats in each group. Two animal models, acute stress (AS) and unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) were used. Drug treatment was given as per groups orally, Drakshasava in the dose of 2ml & 4ml/kg and Fluoxetine standard comparator 10mg/kg for next 7 days for AS. In UCMS group stress was given for 15 days and drug treatment was given along with the stress from day 15-21. Sucrose preference test (SPT) done on day 0 & 8 in AS and on day 0, 15, 22 in UCMS model rats and at the end Forced Swim test (FST) was performed. Blood withdrawal done for estimation of serum Dopamine, Serotonin and cortisol levels with ELISA kit on day 8 in AS & 22 in UCMS. Data obtained analysed with Graph Pad Prism 6. Result: Decrease in Dopamine (p<0.05) and Serotonin (p<0.01) while increase (p<0.01) in cortisol levels was seen in (depressed) disease control group rats in comparison with control group. Both doses of Drakshasava showed significant reduction in immobility time in FST and improved sucrose preference and was found to be effective in both the models of depression. Increase in serum serotonin (p<0.01) and dopamine (p<0.05) levels was evident while at the same time, (p<0.05) cortisol level reduction was seen in all drug treated rats. Findings observed in the FST and SPT were correlated with the biochemical findings. Effects seen with Drakshasava were comparable with that of Fluoxetine. Conclusion: Drakshasava increased serum serotonin and dopamine levels while decreasing cortisol levels in both acute and chronic animal models of depression. These effects were comparable to those observed with the standard antidepressant drug, Fluoxetine.

Abstract P141: Salt tips the balance of tryptophan metabolism between host and gut microbiota in a sex specific manner

Introduction: Tryptophan (Trp) diet attenuates hypertension in male Dahl salt sensitive (S) rats with unknown mechanisms. Kynurenine (a vasodilator) and serotonin (mixed effects on blood pressure) are host-derived Trp metabolites while indole is produced exclusively by the gut microbiota. We have previously shown that the gut microbiota of male, but not female, S rats is susceptible to salt, causing a higher indole level that elevated blood pressure. In this study, we reported the sex differences in all Trp metabolites with a focus on the impact of salt and the mechanisms by which female gut microbiota is more resilient. Methodology: S rats of both sexes (10–13-week-old, n = 4-7/group) were maintained on either a low-salt (0.3 % NaCl, LS) or high-salt (2 % NaCl, HS) diet for 3 weeks. Trp metabolites were analyzed in serum and cecum by LC-MS/MS. To investigate if estrogen shape gut microbiota, gonadectomy was performed on 7-week-old Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) of both sexes (n=5/group). β-estradiol (2.8 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously for 12 weeks before fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Females had elevated levels of kynurenine (Kyn) compared to male S rats on both LS (5.5 ± 1.4 vs. 2.1 ± 0.5 µM; P <0.05) and HS (7 ± 1.3 vs. 4.2 ± 1 µM; P <0.05). Kyn metabolites including kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid were elevated in the serum of females compared with males, and HS amplified this difference (all P <0.05). Further, HS significantly decreased the serum serotonin levels in both sexes ( P <0.01 in females, P <0.0001 in males). Intriguingly, HS increased cecal indole levels in male ( P <0.05), but not in female rats. Microbiota analysis of gonadectomized (GDX) SHR rats revealed (1) Significant differences in β-diversity between intact vs. GDX rats ( P <0.01), and between GDX male vs. female rats ( P =0.01); (2) Estrogen supplementation eliminates the gut microbiota differences between GDX females and males ( P =0.18). Conclusion: We demonstrated sex differences in Trp metabolism in response to high salt. Further, estrogen masked the microbial differences between GDX male and female SHR rats. In summary, salt led to an elevated Trp-Kyn metabolism in female host, and an enhanced Trp-indole metabolism in male gut microbiota, which could be due to the estrogen’s effect on shaping gut microbiota. Thus, the Trp metabolism in salt-sensitive hypertension is regulated in a sex-specific manner.

Assessing the Impact of IL-6 and Serotonin on Pain and Symptomatology in Fibromyalgia: An Exploratory Clinical Study.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain and a variety of other symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep disturbances. Recent research has highlighted the potential role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of FM. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and serotonin with the clinical parameters observed in patients with fibromyalgia. Additionally, it sought to analyze the similarities and differences among the different groups classified by symptom severity. This cross-sectional study included 26 female patients aged 20-70 diagnosed with FM according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2016 criteria and 14 healthy controls (HCs). Serum levels of IL-6 and serotonin were measured using electrochemiluminescence and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. FM patients exhibited significantly higher pain scores (VAS), anxiety, and depression levels compared to HCs. FIQ-R scores were significantly elevated in FM patients, with stratification showing 3.8% mild, 65.4% moderate, 23.1% severe, and 7.7% very severe cases. While no significant difference in IL-6 levels was observed between the FM patients and HCs, a trend towards increased IL-6 levels in patients with higher FIQ-R scores was noted. Serum serotonin levels were significantly lower in the FM patients than in the HCs, with moderate patients having lower levels than those classified as severe and very severe. The study underscores the potential role of IL-6 and serotonin in the pathophysiology of FM, suggesting that these biomarkers could be relevant in assessing the severity and impact of FM. Further research is needed to elucidate these relationships and their implications for developing personalized treatment strategies.

Does vitamin D supplementation impact serotonin levels? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vitamin D deficiency impacts a significant proportion of the world's population, and this deficiency has been linked to various conditions characterized by imbalanced serotonin regulation. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum serotonin levels. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central for Randomized Clinical Trials, and Web of Science up to September 2022, without any language restrictions. The effect sizes were calculated using the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Six randomized clinical trials involving 356 participants were included in the analysis. Our findings indicated no significant changes in serotonin levels between the intervention and control groups (SMD: 0.24 ng/mL, 95% CI: -0.28, 0.75, p > 0.10). Subgroup analysis also did not reveal any significant changes in serotonin levels among children, participants with autism spectrum disorders, interventions lasting 10 weeks or longer, or those receiving vitamin D doses below 4000 IU/day. Although the results obtained in this systematic review are inconclusive, they support the need for further well-designed randomized trials to assess the potential role of vitamin D supplementation in regulating serotonin levels and potentially ameliorating depression and related disorders.

The effect of Hyoscine on serum serotonin and acetylcholine levels, and their impacts on neuro-behavior in mice

The effect of Hyoscine on serum serotonin and acetylcholine levels, and their impacts on neuro-behavior in mice

Radiofrequency waves increase the brain levels of inflammatory biomarkers, neurotrophin and serotonin

The increase in mobile technology has raised concerns about the potential health effects of mobile phone radiation. The biological impact of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) waves emitted by electronic devices has been extensively studied and is a concern for the public, policymakers, and health researchers. The study aimed to examine the impact of 900 MHz radiofrequency waves on biomarkers such as interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, homocysteine, nerve growth factor, and serotonin in rats' serum and brain tissue. Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats (200 ± 20g) were randomly assigned to three groups (n=10): control (not exposed to RF), exposed I (2 hours per day), and exposed II (4 hours per day). The exposed groups were exposed to 900 MHz RFW for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that only the exposed group II significantly increased serum serotonin levels compared to the control group (P=0.0496). IL-1α, TNF-α, and nerve growth factor levels in brain tissue increased significantly in both exposed groups compared to the control group (P<0.0001). The control group had significantly lower levels of IL-1β compared to exposed groups I (P=0.0289) and II (P=0.0004). Additionally, serotonin and homocysteine levels in the brains of exposed II were significantly higher compared to the other groups (P<0.0001). The results showed disruptions in all biomarkers, indicating the potential impacts of daily exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency waves from mobile phones on brain function. This suggests that mobile phone radiation may affect brain function.

Investigation of the Serotonin, Cortisol Hormones and some Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Beta Thalassemia in Thi-Qar Governorate /Iraq

Beta thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is the most severe kind of β-thalassemia hereditary disease that makes blood transfusion dependent. Patients with β-thalassemia disease experience many physiological abnormalities, including oxidative stress, iron overload, and aggregated β-globin proteins. These abnormalities may also lead to premature RBC mortality. In the present study, 100 patients with β-thalassemia major with an average age of 16.30 ± 6.67 years old and 30 healthy controls with an average age of 14.63 ± 4.17 years old were included in this study. The serum levels of urea, creatinine, serotonin, and cortisol were investigated in the patient and control groups. The results showed a marked increase in the urea levels among the patients compared to the control group (from 14.63 ± 6.05 mg/dl in the control group to 24.98 ± 11.35 mg/dl in patient group) with P <0.001, rendering this change highly statistically significant. While there was a noticeable increase in creatinine levels between patients and controls (from 0.387 ± 0.199 mg/dl in the control group to 0.466 ± 0.208 mg/dl in the patient group. Statistical analysis revealed this change with non-significance of P = 0.066. Furthermore, the obtained results indicated that the serum level of serotonin decreased in patient group (from 393.46 ± 192.42 ng/ml in control group to 385.63 ± 167.70 ng/ml in patient group) with P=0.884, while β-thalassemia major subjects showed a significantly higher level of cortisol compared to the healthy control group (from 94.97 ± 67.56 ng/ml in control group

Evaluation of hazard effects of immobilization stress on the brain and heart of pregnant rats and their pups

ABSTRACT The prenatal and postnatal growth of offspring may be adversely impacted by maternal stress experienced during pregnancy. The objective of this study is to investigate the adverse effects of immobilization stress (IS) on pregnant rats and the possible complications on their offspring. Thirty female dams were randomly divided into two groups (15/group), the control group and the IS group. At gestation day 20, and post natal day7 (PND -7) the levels of serum serotonin, cortisol, and insulin and plasma glucose were assessed in dams. The congenital anomalies of offspring were also investigated. At PND-21, the brain and heart were excised from both mothers and their pups for histological and ultrastructural investigations. The results revealed significant decrease in serotonin and insulin levels, while an increase in cortisol and glucose levels in dams exposed to IS. Also, there was a remarkable reduction in the body weight of mother’s rats and their pups compared to the control. Moreover, exposure of pregnant rats to IS caused relative abortion (26%), and congenital anomalies (9.1%) along with histopathological signs in brain and cardiac tissues in mothers and their pups. Stress during pregnancy resulted in adverse effects on brain and heart in mothers and their pups.

Sodium oligomannate activates the enteroendocrine-vagal afferent pathways in APP/PS1 mice.

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) and vagal afferent neurons constitute functional sensory units of the gut, which have been implicated in bottom-up modulation of brain functions. Sodium oligomannate (GV-971) has been shown to improve cognitive functions in murine models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and recently approved for the treatment of AD patients in China. In this study, we explored whether activation of the EECs-vagal afferent pathways was involved in the therapeutic effects of GV-971. We found that an enteroendocrine cell line RIN-14B displayed spontaneous calcium oscillations due to TRPA1-mediated calcium entry; perfusion of GV-971 (50, 100 mg/L) concentration-dependently enhanced the calcium oscillations in EECs. In ex vivo murine jejunum preparation, intraluminal infusion of GV-971 (500 mg/L) significantly increased the spontaneous and distension-induced discharge rate of the vagal afferent nerves. In wild-type mice, administration of GV-971 (100 mg· kg-1 ·d-1, i.g. for 7 days) significantly elevated serum serotonin and CCK levels and increased jejunal afferent nerve activity. In 7-month-old APP/PS1 mice, administration of GV-971 for 12 weeks significantly increased jejunal afferent nerve activity and improved the cognitive deficits in behavioral tests. Sweet taste receptor inhibitor Lactisole (0.5 mM) and the TRPA1 channel blocker HC-030031 (10 µM) negated the effects of GV-971 on calcium oscillations in RIN-14B cells as well as on jejunal afferent nerve activity. In APP/PS1 mice, co-administration of Lactisole (30 mg ·kg-1 ·d-1, i.g. for 12 weeks) attenuated the effects of GV-971 on serum serotonin and CCK levels, vagal afferent firing, and cognitive behaviors. We conclude that GV-971 activates sweet taste receptors and TRPA1, either directly or indirectly, to enhance calcium entry in enteroendocrine cells, resulting in increased CCK and 5-HT release and consequent increase of vagal afferent activity. GV-971 might activate the EECs-vagal afferent pathways to modulate cognitive functions.

Unveiling potential adverse events associated with escitalopram oxalate: A real-world analysis based FDA adverse event reporting system database.

The study aimed to conduct a multidimensional evaluation of potential adverse events (AEs) of escitalopram oxalate based on the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database. This study utilized the reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma-poisson shrinker (MGPS) to mine and analyze data from the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2023. There was a total of 19,854 AE reports related to escitalopram oxalate, extracting 625 preferred terms (PTs), and covering 27 system organ classes (SOCs). The results showed that the number of reports by females was significantly higher than males, accounting for 57.68%. The reporting number was higher in 2018 and 2019, accounting for 9.50% and 10.18% of the total reports, respectively. The main reporters were consumers and other health professionals, accounting for 26.99% and 26.75% respectively. The majority of the reports were primarily from the United States. Newly emerging AE signals such as intentional overdose (n = 691, ROR 8.51, PRR 8.45, IC 3.05, Empirical Bayesian Geometric Mean (EBGM) 8.35), suicide attempt (n = 665, ROR 8.58, PRR 8.52, IC 3.06, EBGM 8.42), serum serotonin (n = 5, ROR 1044.78, PRR 1044.71, IC 2.56, EBGM 392.39), anti-actin antibody positive (n = 5, ROR 626.87, PRR 626.83, IC 2.56, EBGM 313.91), among others, were not mentioned in the drug's label. While escitalopram oxalate has clear benefits in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders, the presence of AEs also suggests risks associated with its use. Particularly concerning are risks of suicide and changes in serum serotonin levels.

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial on Lactobacillus-containing cultured milk drink as adjuvant therapy for depression in irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is frequently linked with coexisting mental illnesses. Our previous study discovered that 32.1% of IBS patients had subthreshold depression (SD), placing them at higher risk of developing major depression. Gut microbiota modulation through psychobiotics was found to influence depression via the gut-brain axis. However, the efficacy of lessening depression among IBS patients remains ambiguous. The study’s aim was to investigate the roles of cultured milk drinks containing 109 cfu Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Lactobacillus paracasei L. CASEI-01 on depression and related variables among IBS participants with SD. A total of 110 IBS participants with normal mood (NM) and SD, were randomly assigned to one of four intervention groups: IBS-NM with placebo, IBS-NM with probiotic, IBS-SD with placebo, and IBS-SD with probiotic. Each participant was required to consume two bottles of cultured milk every day for a duration of 12 weeks. The following outcomes were assessed: depression risk, quality of life, the severity of IBS, and hormonal changes. The depression scores were significantly reduced in IBS-SD with probiotic and placebo from baseline (p < 0.001). Only IBS-SD with probiotic showed a significant rise in serotonin serum levels (p < 0.05). A significantly higher life quality measures were seen in IBS-SD with probiotic, IBS-SD with placebo, and IBS-NM with placebo (p < 0.05). All groups, both placebo and probiotic, reported significant improvement in IBS severity post-intervention with a higher prevalence of remission and mild IBS (p < 0.05). Dual strains lactobacillus-containing cultured milk drink via its regulation of relevant biomarkers, is a potential anti-depressive prophylactic agent for IBS patients at risk.

Effects of LP533401 on vascular and bone calcification in hyperlipidemic mice

Peripheral serotonin levels are associated with cardiovascular disease risk. We previously found that serum serotonin levels are higher in hyperlipidemic mice than wild-type mice. Evidence also suggests that serotonin regulates biomineralization, in that serotonin treatment augments TNF-a-induced matrix calcification of aortic valve interstitial cells and that a selective inhibitor of peripheral serotonin, LP533401, rescues bone loss induced by ovariectomy in mice. Thus, in the present study, we examined the effects of LP533401 on both skeletal bone mineral density (BMD) and aortic calcification in both young and older hyperlipidemic mice susceptible to calcific atherosclerosis and bone loss. By serial in vivo microCT imaging, we assessed BMD and aortic calcification of Apoe−/− mice fed an atherogenic (high cholesterol) diet alone or mixed with LP533401. Results show that in the young mice, LP533401 blunted skeletal bone loss in lumbar vertebrae but not in femurs. LP533401 also blunted the initial development of aortic calcification but not its progression. Echocardiographic analysis showed that LP533401 blunted both hyperlipidemia-induced cardiac hypertrophy and left ventricular dysfunction. In the older mice, LP533401 increased the BMD of lumbar vertebrae but not of femurs. The aortic calcification progressed in both controls and LP533401-treated mice, but, at post-treatment, LP533401-treated mice had significantly less aortic calcification than the controls. These findings suggest that LP533401 mitigates adverse effects of hyperlipidemia on skeletal and vascular tissues in site- and stage-dependent manners.

Association between fatigue, peripheral serotonin, and L-carnitine in hypothyroidism and in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fatigue of unknown origin is a hallmark symptom in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and is also found in 20% of hypothyroidism patients despite appropriate levothyroxine treatment. Here, we suggest that in these disorders, peripheral serotonin levels are low, and elevating them to normal range with L-carnitine is accompanied with reduced fatigue. We conducted a retrospective analysis of follow-up clinical data (CFS N=12; hypothyroidism with fatigue N=40) where serum serotonin and fatigue levels were compared before vs. after 7 weeks of oral L-carnitine supplementation. After L-carnitine, serotonin increased (8-fold in CFS, Sig. = 0.002, 6-fold in hypothyroidism, Sig. < 0.001) whereas fatigue decreased (2-fold in both CFS and hypothyroidism, Sig. = 0.002 for CFS, Sig. < 0.001 for hypothyroidism). There was a negative correlation between serotonin level and fatigue (for CFS, rho = -0.49 before and -0.67 after L-carnitine; for hypothyroidism, rho = -0.24 before and -0.83 after L-carnitine). These findings suggest a new link between low peripheral serotonin, L-carnitine, and fatigue.

The Variability of Tryptophan Metabolism in Patients with Mixed Type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Patients with a mixed type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-M) experience constipation and diarrhea, which alternate between weeks or months. The pathogenesis of this syndrome is still little understood. The aim of the study was mainly to evaluate the urinary excretion of selected tryptophan (TRP) metabolites during the constipation and diarrhea periods of this syndrome. In 36 patients with IBS-M and 36 healthy people, serum serotonin level was measured by ELISA and urinary levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), kynurenine (KYN) and indican (3-IS) were determined using the LC-MS/MS method. The levels of all above metabolites were higher in the patient group, and increased significantly during the diarrheal period of IBS-M. In particular, the changes concerned 5-HIAA (3.67 ± 0.86 vs. 4.59 ± 0.95 mg/gCr, p < 0.001) and 3-IS (80.2 ± 17.4 vs. 93.7 ± 25.1 mg/g/Cr, p < 0.001). These changes coexisted with gut microbiome changes, assessed using hydrogen-methane and ammonia breath tests. In conclusion, the variability of TRP metabolism and the gut microbiome may cause the alternation of IBS-M symptoms.

Exploring a novel class tryptophan hydroxylase 1 inhibitor derived from Sambucus williamsii Hance for the osteoporosis treatment

Objective: Gut-derived serotonin strongly inhibits bone formation by inhibiting osteoblast proliferation. Our previous study demonstrated that the lignan-rich fraction prepared from Sambucus willimasii Hance, a folk herbal medicine used to treat bone fractures and joint diseases in China, exerted bone-protective effects, and its actions were modulated by suppressing the synthesis of gut-derived serotonin via the inhibition of intestinal tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH-1). However, there is no direct evidence for the action of lignans on TPH-1. This study aimed to verify the direct action of lignans on the TPH-1 and its influence on serotonin synthesis and bone properties. Methods: Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance were performed to determine the affinities of lignans to TPH-1. The cell viability and the protein activity and expression of TPH-1 were measured in RBL2H3 cells. The serum serotonin level and bone mineral density upon lignan treatment in ovariectomized mice were determined. Result: The lignans showed high binding scores and binding affinities to TPH-1, inhibited the activity and protein expression of TPH-1, suppressed the serum serotonin levels in ovariectomized mice as well as promoted bone mineral density. Conclusion: This is the first study to report that lignans are novel TPH-1 inhibitors and that these lignans could be potential agents for the management of serotonin-related diseases, including osteoporosis.

Is Post-COVID 19 Vaccination Antibody Level Related to Happiness and Stress Hormones?

Aim: The level of antibody production in those vaccinated against coronavirus can be affected by many different situations. There is an important balance between immune response, stress and emotional state. However, it is not known how this situation affects antibody production after vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the antibody response induced by the COVID-19 vaccine and the hormones cortisol, a marker of the stress axis, and serotonin, a marker of happiness. &#x0D; Material and Method: Serum cortisol and serotonin levels were analyzed in those who tested positive (n=40) and negative (n=40) for Anti-SARS CoV-2 IgG induced by vaccination. Anti-SARS CoV 2 IgG, cortisol, and serotonin levels were determined by using the ELISA method. The data were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The value of p0.05). &#x0D; Conclusion: Consequently, no effect of the stress parameter cortisol and the happiness parameter serotonin, was found in vaccine-induced immunization. It is considered that the different antibody responses in individuals may vary depending on other factors.

Antidepressant sertraline increases thioflavin-S and Congo red deposition in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic mice.

Introduction: Depression is strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Antidepressants are commonly used in patients before and after their diagnosis of AD. To date, the relationship between antidepressants and AD remains unclear. Methods: In our study, we administered sertraline or paroxetine to wild type (WT) and APPswe/PSEN1dE9 (APP/PSEN1) transgenic mouse models for up to 12months. We quantified the drug concentrations using LC-MS/MS analysis and measured serum serotonin level using an ELISA assay. Additionally, we evaluated the amyloid burdens through thioflavin-S and Congo red stainings, and recognition memory using the novel object recognition test. Results: Our findings revealed that mice treated with paroxetine exhibited a significantly higher level of weight gain compared to the control group and increased mortality in APP/PSEN1 mice. After 12months of antidepressant treatment, the sertraline level was measured at 289.8ng/g for cerebellum, while the paroxetine level was 792.9ng/g for cerebellum. Sertraline significantly increased thioflavin-S and Congo red depositions, along with gliosis, in both isocortex and hippocampus of APP/PSEN1 mice compared to the control group. Both antidepressants also led to a decreased recognition index in APP/PSEN1 mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest a potential role of sertraline in AD pathogenesis, emphasizing the need to reassess the use of these antidepressants in patients with AD.