• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제56권1호
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• pp.69-85
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• 2023

Depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders and is associated with dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system and alterations in specific brain proteins. Boophone disticha (BD) is an indigenous psychoactive bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidacae family, which is widely used in Southern Africa to treat depression, with scientific evidence of potent antidepressant-like effects. The present study examined the antidepressant effects of BD and its mechanisms of action by measuring some behavioural parameters in the elevated plus maze, brain content of corticosterone, brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), and neuroblast differentiation in the hippocampus of Balb/c mice exposed to the five day repeated forced swim stress (5d-RFSS). Male Balb/c mice were subjected to the 5d-RFSS protocol to induce depressive-like behaviour (decreased swimming, increased floating, decreased open arm entry, decreased time spent in the open arms and decreased head dips in the elevated plus maze test) and treated with distilled water, fluoxetine and BD. BD treatment (10 mg/kg/p.o for 3 weeks) significantly attenuated the 5d-RFSS-induced behavioural abnormalities and the elevated serum corticosterone levels observed in stressed mice. Additionally, 5d-RFSS exposure significantly decreased the number of neuroblasts in the hippocampus and BDNF levels in the brain of Balb/c mice, while fluoxetine and BD treatment attenuated these changes. The antidepressant effects of BD were comparable to those of fluoxetine, but unlike fluoxetine, BD did not show any anxiogenic effects, suggesting better pharmacological functions. In conclusion, our study shows that BD exerted antidepressant-like effects in 5d-RFSS mice, mediated in part by normalizing brain corticosterone and BDNF levels.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.155-162
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• 2018

3-(2-Carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP), a competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, produces rapid antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these behavioral actions remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that CPP rapidly stimulates histone deacetylase (HDAC) 5 phosphorylation and nuclear export in rat hippocampal neurons. These effects are accompanied by calcium/calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) and protein kinase D (PKD) phosphorylation. Behavioral experiments revealed that viral-mediated hippocampal knockdown of HDAC5 blocked the antidepressant effects of CPP in stressed animals. Taken together, our results imply that CPP acts via HDAC5 and suggest that HDAC5 is a common regulator contributing to the antidepressant actions of NMDA receptor antagonists such as CPP.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.59-70
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• 2008

Objectives: Investigation of the antidepressant effects of Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium(CR) Methods: In order to investigate the antidepressant effects of Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium(CR), we performed the forced swimming test. Also the expression of CRF, HSP70 and c-fos was measured with immunohistochemical method at PVN. Results: 1. The duration of immobility in the forced swimming test was significantly decreased in the CR 100mg/kg, 400mg/kg groups. 2. In the Control group, CRF expression was significantly increased in the PVN. Also, these CRF increase were significantly reduced in the CR 100mg/kg and 400mg/kg treated group. 3. HSP70 expression was significantly decreased at PVN in the CR 100mg/kg and 400mg/kg treated group. 4. C-fos expression was significantly decreased at PVN in the CR 100mg/kg and 400mg/kg treated group. Conclusions: According to the results, it can be considered that Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium has antidepressant effect.

• 생물정신의학
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.244-251
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• 2006

Depression is a frequent cause of suicide. Although there have been reports that SSRIs might increase suicidal ideations and behaviors, most studies found antidepressants are effective treatments of suicidal ideations and behaviors. Antidepressants have also been shown to have prophylactic effects in preventing suicidal behaviors. Most double-blind studies do not suggest a causal relationship between antidepressant and the increased suicidality. Our review results suggest that the undertreatments of depression are more significant problems with the use of antidepressants in suicidal patients.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권4호
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• pp.552-560
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• 2023

Background: Ginseng Radix (Panax ginseng Meyer, Araliaceae) has been used medicinally to treat the brain and nervous system problems worldwide. Recent studies have revealed physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of Korean red ginseng water extract (KGE) and its active component in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-induced animal model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The antidepressant potential of the UCMS model was evaluated using the sucrose preference test and open field tests. The behavioral findings were further corroborated by the assessment of neurotransmitters and their metabolites from the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats. Three doses of KGE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were orally administered during the experiment. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of KGE was examined by measuring the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/CREB, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) proteins in the prefrontal cortex of UCMS-exposed rats. Results: KGE treatment normalized UCMS-induced depression-related behaviors. Neurotransmitter studies conducted after completing behavioral experiments demonstrated that KGE caused a reduction in the ratio of serotonin and dopamine, indicating a decrease in serotonin and dopamine turnover. Moreover, the expression of BDNF, Nrf2, Keap1 and AKT were markedly increased by KGE in the prefrontal cortex of depressed rats. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that KGE and its constituents exert antidepressant effects that mediate the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and expression of BDNF protein in an animal model.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.215-225
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• 2010

In order to investigate the antidepressant effects of Lycii Radicis Cortex on the change of HPA-Axis system, the forced swimming test was performed. The expressions of CRF and c-Fos in the PVN were measured with immunohistochemical method and the concentration of ACTH in Serum was evaluated with ELISA method. And the results obtained were as follows. Results : 1. The duration of immobility in the forced swimming test was significantly decreased in the LRC100 group and the LRC400 group(P<0.001). 2. The expressions of CRF and c-Fos were significantly reduced in the LRC100 group and the LRC400 group(P<0.001). And the concentration of ACTH in Serum were significantly reduced in the LRC 100 group(P<0.05). According to the results above mentioned, it can be considered that Lycii Radicis Cortex has antidepressant effects.

• 생물정신의학
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.144-151
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• 2006

Objectives : Cognitive therapy is the most extensively researched psychological treatment for nonpsychotic unipolar outpatient depressive disorders. This review focused on the utility of this approach in severe or chronic depressive disorders, in relapse prevention and also on the potential benefits of combining cognitive therapy with medication. Methods : The author reviewed original studies and quantitative analyses on the effects of cognitive therapy, predictors of response, and neuroimaging studies of cognitive therapy in major depressive disorder. The sources used for the literature search were data bases : PubMed, EMBASE, CDSR on the internet, references in papers or books. Results : This review suggests that cognitive therapy is as effective as antidepressant medication in severe depressive disorders. And cognitive therapy can be an effective alternative to antidepressant medication. Patients benefited significantly more from combined cognitive therapy and antidepressant treatment than from either treatment alone. Most importantly, the addition of cognitive therapy to usual treatment appears to protect against future relapse in individuals known to be at high risk of repeated episodes of depression. In addition, subjects who received cognitive therapy showed significantly greater improvements in chronic depression than receiving antidepressant medication. Pooled data suggests that there is a significant relationship between the therapist's level of training or experience, the type of therapy used and patient outcome. Recent functional imaging studies examining brain changes following cognitive therapy report a variety of regional effects, but there is no consistent pattern across the few published studies. Conclusion : Cognitive therapy has proved beneficial in treating depressive patients. Despite empirical data supporting its efficacy, there are still problems in gaining access to cognitive therapy in clinical practice.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.7-13
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• 2014

Objectives : Chronic mild stress (CMS) model is currently recognized as a better animal model of depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of the Nelumbo nucifera leave extract using CMS model. Methods : The antidepressant-like effects of Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract was determined by using animal models of depression. Male ICR mice were divided into four groups: saline-treated normal, without CMS; saline-treated stress control; CMS+ Imipramine(20mg/kg); CMS+Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract(200mg/kg). All mice except the normal group exposed an unpredicted sequence of chronic mild stressors for 5 weeks. The behavior of mice were detected by sucrose preference test, forced swim test and tail suspension test. Then concentration of corticosterone in serum was detected by enzyme immunoassay. Results : Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract administration by daily gavage from the 3rd week exhibited an antidepressant-like effect on CMS-induced depression in mice. Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract administration at dose of 200 mg/kg significantly increased the sucrose consumption, and decreased the immobility durations in forced swim test and tail suspension test. Furthermore the corticosterone level decreased than control group. Conclusions : Chronic mild stress can affect mouse behavior and corticosterone level and cause depression. The present experiments not only further confirm the antidepressant-like effects of Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract in the sucrose preference test, forced swimming test and tail suspension test, but also the improving effects of Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract on the depression-like symptoms in the CMS model. Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract has the antagonism on CMS and produce antidepressive effects.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.228-232
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• 2024

This case report is a unique case of solar retinopathy following antidepressant-induced mydriasis and highlights the need for comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation in patients treated with medications having mydriatic effects. A 49-year-old female patient who had received long-term antidepressant therapy presented with bilateral visual impairment after prolonged sun exposure. Fundoscopy confirmed solar retinopathy, which was attributed to drug-induced mydriasis. Medication adjustments and sun protection strategies led to full visual recovery, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary awareness. This case emphasizes the challenges associated with the simultaneous management of psychiatric and ophthalmic conditions and highlights the need for routine ophthalmic evaluation of patients prescribed antidepressants with reported ocular side effects.

• 정신신체의학
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.81-92
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• 2013

새로운 항우울제가 개발되고 임상에서 정신과적 질환뿐만이 아니라 만성통증증후군, 섬유근통증증후군, 두통 등의 많은 정신신체질환 그리고 신체질환자의 적응장애 및 우울증 등의 자문조정정신의학 영역에서도 다양하게 자주 사용되고 있다. 다양한 정신의학적 질환을 치료하기 위해 처방하는 새로운 항우울제의 사용 시 치료중단의 가장 큰 원인은 약물부작용이다. 이 논문은 현재 우리나라에서 널리 사용되고 있는 새로운 항우울제 사용 시 나타나는 부작용들 중 정신신체의학과 자문조정정신의학영역에서 관심을 가져야 할 매우 빈번하게 나타나는 세 가지 부작용인 오심과 구토, 체중증가, 성기능장애에 대한 발생기전, 발생빈도, 그리고 약물학적 처치를 위주로 한 해결방안을 알아보았다. 저자는 이 논문을 통하여 정신건강의학과 의사만이 아니라 정신신체의학 영역에 관심을 가지거나 자문조정정신의학과 연계되는 타과 영역의 의사들이 새로운 항우울제를 사용할 때 빈번하게 나타나서 삶의 질을 떨어뜨리고 치료중단을 일으킬 수 있는 이 약물들의 부작용을 잘 인지함으로써 이를 조기에 발견하고 적절히 해결하여 환자 치료에 도움을 주고자 하였다.