Antidepressant-like effects of geniposide in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced mice by regulating the circ_0008405/miR-25-3p/Gata2 and Oip5os1/miR-25-3p/Gata2 networks.

Evidence exists suggesting the anti-depressive activities of geniposide (GP), a major compound in Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. Accordingly, the present study attempts to explore the anti-depressive mechanism of GP in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression-like behaviors of mice. CUMS-induced mice were given GP daily and subjected to behavioral tests to observe the effect of GP on the depression-like behaviors. It was noted that GP administration reduced depression-like behaviors in CUMS mice. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted in three control and three CUMS mice. Differentially expressed circRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs were then screened by bioinformatics analyses. Intersection analysis of the transcriptome sequencing results with the bioinformatics analysis results was followed to identify the candidate targets. We found that Gata2 alleviated depression-like behaviors via the metabolism- and synapse-related pathways. Gata2 was a target of miR-25-3p, which had binding sites to circ_0008405 and Oip5os1. circ_0008405 and Oip5os1 competitively bound to miR-25-3p to release the expression of Gata2. GP administration ameliorated depression-like behaviors in CUMS mice through regulation of the circ_0008405/miR-25-3p/Gata2 and Oip5os1/miR-25-3p/Gata2 crosstalk networks. Taken together, GP may exert a potential antidepressant-like effect on CUMS mice, which is ascribed to regulation of the circ_0008405/miR-25-3p/Gata2 and Oip5os1/miR-25-3p/Gata2 crosstalk networks.

Impact of spiritual healing on moderate depression in adults: a study protocol of a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT).

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a common mental disorder and the (global) leading cause of all non-fatal burden of disease worldwide. Currently, supported treatment for depression is antidepressant medication and different psychotherapeutic interventions. Many patients experience, however, adverse effects of antidepressant medication, while at the same time the access to psychotherapeutic interventions are limited. Many patients who suffer from depression turn to complementary medicine and among those modalities often spiritual healing. There is some evidence that consulting a spiritual healer can be beneficial for patients who suffer from depression, and that spiritual healing is associated with low risk. The aim of this protocol is to conduct a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) (spiritual healing as addition to usual care vs usual care alone) in preparation of a larger trial in adults with moderate depression, to examine feasibility and individuals' experience of spiritual healing. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a pilot RCT with two parallel groups. A total of 28 adult patients with moderate depression, diagnosed by the physician and according to the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale criteria will be randomised to spiritual healing in addition to usual care (n=14) or usual care alone (n=14). To determine if there is a statistical indication of an effect of healing warranting a full-scale study; the separation test will be used. To investigate participants' experience with spiritual healing, a qualitative study will be included using semistructured interviews. The data will be analysed based on a direct content analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol was approved by regional committees for medical and health research ethics by the identifier (63692). The results will be disseminated through open-access, peer-reviewed publications, in addition to stakeholders' reporting and presenting at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Norwegian Centre for Research Data (845302) and clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT04766242).

Neuropsychological and Functional Impact of COVID-19 on Mild Cognitive Impairment.

We present a case report to showcase that behavioral, cognitive, and functional decline may be associated with COVID-19 stay-home guidance among older adults with pre-existent cognitive impairment. In a functionally independent and physically active older adult with Mild Cognitive Impairment, there was worsening in depression and anxiety symptoms associated with the restrictions of COVID-19. Functional decline was also noted as assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. We discuss solutions to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 restrictions in this vulnerable population.