Zhang Xiaofang, Guo Jiyuan, Zhang Ce, Wang Wenhua, Du Shuailin, Tian Xusheng
Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
Transl Neurosci. 2024 May 8;15(1):20220341. doi: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0341. eCollection 2024 Jan 1.
Calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs) are widely regarded as "memory molecules" due to their role in controlling numerous neuronal functions in the brain, and the CaMK signaling pathway plays a crucial role in controlling synaptic plasticity. Suanzaoren decoction (SZRD) can improve depression-like behavior and thus has potential benefits in the clinical treatment of depression; however, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. In this study, we found that key proteins in the CaMK signaling pathway were regulated by the decoction used to treat depression. The purpose of this research was to ascertain if the SZRD's therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of depression is associated with the modulation of key proteins in the CaMK signaling pathway. A rat model of depression was created by exposing the animals to chronic, unexpected, mild stress. Model rats were given intragastric administration of SZRD or fluoxetine every morning once a day. Protein and mRNA relative expression levels of CaM, CaMK I, and CaMK IV in the hippocampus were measured by Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry in the hippocampus. Our findings demonstrated that SZRD significantly improved the mood of depressed rats. This indicates that SZRD, by modulating the CaMK signaling system, may alleviate depressive symptoms and lessen work and life-related pressures.
钙调蛋白依赖性蛋白激酶（CaMKs）因其在控制大脑中众多神经元功能方面的作用而被广泛视为“记忆分子”，并且CaMK信号通路在控制突触可塑性方面起着关键作用。酸枣仁汤（SZRD）可以改善抑郁样行为，因此在抑郁症的临床治疗中具有潜在益处；然而，其作用机制尚未完全明确。在本研究中，我们发现用于治疗抑郁症的该汤剂可调节CaMK信号通路中的关键蛋白。本研究的目的是确定酸枣仁汤治疗抑郁症的疗效是否与CaMK信号通路中关键蛋白的调节有关。通过使动物暴露于慢性、意外的轻度应激来建立大鼠抑郁症模型。每天早晨给模型大鼠灌胃给予酸枣仁汤或氟西汀一次。通过蛋白质印迹法、定量聚合酶链反应和海马免疫组织化学法测量海马中CaM、CaMK I和CaMK IV的蛋白质和mRNA相对表达水平。我们的研究结果表明，酸枣仁汤可显著改善抑郁大鼠的情绪。这表明酸枣仁汤通过调节CaMK信号系统，可能减轻抑郁症状并缓解与工作和生活相关的压力。
