{"title":"Astrocytes: A potential avenue for depression and cancer","authors":"Cheng-Lin Lu , Xiong Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent findings have revealed the potential of neuroscience-based targets to develop novel therapeutic interventions for cancer. Depression has long been hypothesized to increase the risk of cancer, a condition that is significantly more prevalent among cancer patients. Astrocytes have a complex role in depression at the molecular, cellular, and network levels. The targeting of astrocytes has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of depression. Additionally, astrocytes have also been implicated in cancer brain metastases and directly affect cancer progression. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the causal relationship and mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to depression and cancer neuroscience. This interface between neurobiology and cancer biology may provide novel insights into the neuroscience-based targets for cancer therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100197,"journal":{"name":"Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143874439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Neuro-immune-cancer interactions: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications for tumor modulation","authors":"Jianzhuang Wu, Xinyi Lu, Chao Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100119","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100119","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The interplay between neurons, the immune system, and cancer is a critical area of research with significant therapeutic potential. Neurons regulate immune responses and directly influence tumor progression through neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and synaptic interactions with tumor cells. The peripheral nervous system modulates immune cell activity and inflammation, while the central nervous system coordinates systemic immune responses, influencing tumor growth and metastasis. This neuro-immune-tumor crosstalk is particularly important in peripheral tumors, where local neuroimmune regulation plays a pivotal role. Emerging neuromodulatory therapies, such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), offer promising strategies to modulate these interactions. Despite these advances, challenges remain in optimizing neuromodulation and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these complex interactions. This perspective highlights the potential for targeting neuro-immune-cancer pathways, with a focus on personalized and precise therapies to address tumor heterogeneity and improve treatment outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100197,"journal":{"name":"Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100119"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ruiyi Liu , Zhangjie Wu , Ying Yin , Shan Xing , Changyu Wu , Yan Sun , Hailou Zhang , Gang Chen
{"title":"The rapid onset of response to depression treatment by Yueju pill: From discovery of a novel treatment target to clinical perspective","authors":"Ruiyi Liu , Zhangjie Wu , Ying Yin , Shan Xing , Changyu Wu , Yan Sun , Hailou Zhang , Gang Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100121","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100121","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Depression, marked by persistent low mood and anhedonia, poses significant global health challenges, whereas mainstream antidepressants like SSRIs often have delayed onset and limited efficacy. Yueju Pill, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formulated 800 years ago to treat “stagnation syndrome”, which overlaps with depression. Yueju pill has been shown to have the rapid onset and sustained antidepressant potential since 2013. It has been revealed to have similarities to the prototype rapid antidepressant ketamine in neuroplasticity mechanisms, including instant stimulation of protein synthesis signaling in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, subsequently enhancing expressions of BDNF and synaptic proteins. More recently, some targets and compound substrates that were not known before have been revealed from Yueju pill, and some clinical evidence has been provided. This review will focus on the advances in the discovery of a novel target, the neuropeptide PACAP in the hippocampus for the onset of depression treatment, the study paradigm employed to identify the synergism of the composing compounds in Yueju pill targeting PACAP, the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and gut-brain axis, and clinical trials showing fast alleviation of depression symptoms by adjunct or monotherapy with Yueju pill, in relationship to the improvement in serum BDNF levels. The perspective for a broader use of Yueju pill as a therapeutic avenue for depression and further mechanistic and clinical research directions is also provided.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100197,"journal":{"name":"Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143783088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emina Išerić , Guusje A. Ulijn , Stephanie M.P. Oskam , Gillian Bruce , Johan Garssen , Joris C. Verster
{"title":"The impact of neuroticism on immune fitness and susceptibility to developing immune-related complaints","authors":"Emina Išerić , Guusje A. Ulijn , Stephanie M.P. Oskam , Gillian Bruce , Johan Garssen , Joris C. Verster","doi":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>Neuroticism, i.e. the tendency to experience negative affects such as stress, depression, and anxiety, can have a significant impact on daily life. The aim of the current study was to investigate to what extent neuroticism impacts the susceptibility to experiencing immune-related diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Dutch university students were invited to complete an online survey. Neuroticism, immune fitness, and past year’s frequency of experiencing immune-related complaints were assessed. Correlational analyses determined the associations between neuroticism and immune outcomes, and possible sex differences were evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Data from N = 1790 participants were included. Their mean (SD) age was 21.31 (2.1) years old and 82.2 % of the sample were females. Overall, higher levels of neuroticism were associated with significantly poorer immune fitness (r = -0.227, p < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between neuroticism and sore throat, headache, flu, runny nose, coughing, mild fever, sudden high fever, sinusitis, diarrhea, eye infection, wound infection, and slow healing wounds. However, albeit statistically significant, the magnitude of these correlations was only modest (r < 0.3). Females scored significantly higher on neuroticism (p < 0.001) and reported significantly poorer immune fitness than males (p < 0.001). Females experienced sore throat (p < 0.001), headache (p < 0.001), and eye infection (p = 0.002) significantly more often than males. No sex differences were observed in the magnitude of the correlations, except for the flu, which had a stronger correlation in females than males.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Significant associations were found between neuroticism, immune fitness, and the frequency of experiencing immune-related complaints.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100197,"journal":{"name":"Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143905888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rumin Huang , Xiangrui Zhang , Meiling Ni , Xinyi Chen , Yanqing Wang , Wenwen Chang , Yan Sun , Haoxin Wu
{"title":"Chronic inflammation linking atherosclerosis to cognitive impairment: Multi-target mechanisms and therapeutic advances in chinese herbal medicine","authors":"Rumin Huang , Xiangrui Zhang , Meiling Ni , Xinyi Chen , Yanqing Wang , Wenwen Chang , Yan Sun , Haoxin Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100122","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100122","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The chronic inflammatory state associated with vascular aging plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, including occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis (AS) and cognitive impairment (CI). The detrimental impacts of inflammation are multifaceted. On the one hand, inflammation impairs the function of vascular endothelial cells (EC) and contributes to vascular remodeling. On the other hand, it triggers a cascade of events resulting in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), which disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB), induces neuroinflammation and ultimately impairs cognitive function. Consequently, these processes establish a strong pathological link between atherosclerosis (AS) and cognitive impairment (CI). Chinese Herbal Medicine(CHM) posits that AS and CI share common pathological factors and similar pathogeneses. According to CHM theory, the aging process is associated with a gradual deficiency of healthy qi, which subsequently results in spleen qi deficiency and impaired transportation functions. This dysfunction leads to the accumulation of water-dampness, which can further transform into pathogenic fire, thereby causing damage to the veins and channels. Clinically, such pathological changes may manifest as cardiac pain, dementia, and other symptoms. The treatment of AS in CHM follows principles such as clearing heat, removing toxins, as well as eliminating phlegm and resolving blood stasis. It is notable that numerous studies have demonstrated that Chinese herbs exhibit distinctive therapeutic potential in modulating the progression of CI associated with AS. These herbs have been observed to target multiple pathways intricately involved in AS-related inflammatory processes and cognitive impairment, offering a comprehensive therapeutic approach. In light of the above, this review aims to provide an overview of the evidence supporting the association between AS and CI. It will explore the pathological mechanisms and processes by which AS contributes to the development of CI, and summarize the mechanism of action of Chinese herbs in the treatment of AS-related CI. The findings aim to inform future therapeutic strategies for cognitive disorders and guide research directions in this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100197,"journal":{"name":"Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143807016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The modulation of post-translational modification of proteins by physical exercise to improve brain functions via affecting metabolic homeostasis","authors":"Li Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100120","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100120","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exercise training effectively prevents mental or cognitive deficits, as supported by both animal studies and clinical trials. Our group has been focused on the peripheral derived molecules under endurance exercise scheme and is investigating the possible function of these factors in modulating brain functions. In particular, our recent works have shown the involvement of specific exercise metabolites in reshaping the posttranslational modification of synaptic proteins, to enhance the neural networking for counteracting mental disorders. In this article, I will briefly elaborate the recent progress regarding the linkage among exercise training, circulating metabolites and synaptic functions, in order to provide some previously unrecognized pathways for the brain health effect of exercise. In addition, the possibly future directions of the study for exercise-mediated metabolic homeostasis and brain function will be discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100197,"journal":{"name":"Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143786283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bridging psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and cancer: New insights and innovations from China","authors":"Min Yan, Keith W. Kelley, Quentin Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores interactions among the brain, nervous and systems and their collective influence on health and disease. In recent years, growing evidence has highlighted the relevance of PNI in oncology, offering new insights into how stress, neuroimmune signaling, and mental health affect cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic outcomes. This special issue, “Showcasing PNI Cancer Discoveries in China,” features recent advances from Chinese researchers at the forefront of this field. The articles cover topics ranging from neural regulation of tumor progression and immune responses to the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and lifestyle interventions. Together, these contributions underscore the critical role of PNI in advancing cancer research and developing more holistic, personalized therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100197,"journal":{"name":"Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The crosstalk between glioma and nervous system","authors":"Changjin Xing , Anhao Tian , Chong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a primary brain tumor, glioma is distinct by the abundance of nervous system components within its microenvironment. Recent researches reveal highly intricate interactions between glioma and the nervous system. The nervous system influences the occurrence and progression of glioma, while glioma, in turn, affects neuronal activity. Neurons and nerve fibers modulate glioma cells via various neurotransmitters and trophic factors. In certain instances, neurons can establish direct synaptic connections with glioma cells, mechanisms that can impact tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. And on the other hand, glioma can enhance neuronal excitability, potentially triggering epilepsy. Additionally, glioma-derived synaptogenic factors also facilitate the functional reshaping of neural circuits. Hence, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between the glioma and nervous system, and developing targeted therapies focused on the neural components within the tumor microenvironment, will enhance the treatment outcomes for this challenging tumor.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100197,"journal":{"name":"Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yaodong Xian , Jinxiu Hu , Xueying Yang , Yan Ding , Wei Li , Lanying Liu
{"title":"A case of Jin's three-needle therapy for Tardive dyskinesia","authors":"Yaodong Xian , Jinxiu Hu , Xueying Yang , Yan Ding , Wei Li , Lanying Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100118","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100118","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this case study was to investigate the effectiveness of Jin’s three-needle therapy in treating tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD is a movement disorder resulting from long-term use of antipsychotics. It is characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and/or other body parts.The participant in this study was a 69-year-old male who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 45 years and TD at the age of 64 years. His chief complaints included “mouth pumping,” sucking, and a rubbing motion of his fingers. After using Jin’s three-needle therapy five times a week for 20 treatments, the patient reported an 80 % reduction in all symptoms. The patient’s Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) score decreased from 19 to 10, and the Tardive Dyskinesia Rating Scale (TDRS) score decreased from 67 to 55. In this case, the results indicated that Jin’s three-needle therapy was able to decrease the symptoms of TD. Further investigation is needed to support this argument. The treatment for TD is mainly based on western medicine. However, currently Western medicine cannot completely control symptoms, and there is a high possibility of drug side effects. It was challenging to find literature on acupuncture for treating TD, particularly in English. Jin’s three-needle therapy, a characteristic acupuncture therapy in China, is widely used in clinical practice.This article analyzes the treatment process of a case of treating TD with “Jin’s three-needle therapy.” It is hoped that it can provide reference for the treatment of such diseases and feasibility for the next large-scale related research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100197,"journal":{"name":"Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143724375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wangtao Li , Yang Shao , Mengjuan Xing , Qiong Xiang , Liyuan Guo , Yiying Hu , Wei Li , Lanying Liu
{"title":"Efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicine Wuling capsule combined with antidepressant drugs in the treatment of major depressive disorder: A systematic review with meta-analysis","authors":"Wangtao Li , Yang Shao , Mengjuan Xing , Qiong Xiang , Liyuan Guo , Yiying Hu , Wei Li , Lanying Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100116","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bbii.2025.100116","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Major depressive disorder is a public health problem covering the world. Medical therapy is one of the main treatment for Major depressive disorder. However, antidepressants often have delayed efficacy and many side effects, which seriously affect the quality of life of patients. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicine Wuling capsule combined with antidepressant drug in the treatment of patients with Major depressive disorder. Wuling capsule is a traditional Chinese medicine in China consisting of Wuling mycelia of Xylaria nigripes Sacc (a rare type of fungus).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Relevant documents published before December 1st, 2023 were retrieved from China national knowledge infrastructure, WANFANG DATA, SinoMed, Vip Journal Integration Platform, Chinese Bio Medical Literature Database, Web of Science, Pubmed, Embase, PsycINFO, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest, Wiley Online Library and Clinicaltrials.gov. Randomized controlled trials that meet the inclusion criteria were selected. Their qualities were evaluated and classified. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4, and heterogeneity test and publication bias evaluation were performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This review includes 2148 patients from 24 studies. In this study, the intervention group chose Wuling capsule combined with Antidepressant, and the control group used antidepressants alone. The results show that compared with using antidepressant drug alone, using Wuling capsule combined with antidepressant drug displays statistical significance in reduction of patients’ Hamilton Depression Scale score [mean difference= -3.08, 95 %CI (-3.58,-2.57), P < 0.001], Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale score [mean difference= -3.00, 95 %CI (-4.24, −1.75), P < 0.001], and the effective rate [risk ratio= 1.18, 95 %CI (1.13, 1.23), P < 0.001].</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Compared with antidepressants alone, the Wuling capsule has an advantage in improving the Hamilton Depression score of patients with major depressive disorder. Through this study, we believe that the Wuling capsule can be used as a safe and effective adjunctive drug for the treatment of Chinese patients with major depressive disorder. However, the quality of the evidence still needs to be further improved, and more high-quality clinical trials from different regions are needed to enhance the credibility of the evidence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100197,"journal":{"name":"Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143724377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}