BackgroundThe proper functioning of the nervous system determines the homeostasis of the entire body. There are many known approaches designed to positively stimulate the functions of the central nervous system by applying various plants and fungal extracts, but their course of action is poorly understood. Hericium erinaceus and Ganoderma lucidum are examples of fungi with medicinal properties and with a positive health-promoting effect. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of H. erinaceus or G. lucidum M-CFS with their active metabolites alone and/or in co-treatment with CAY10464 [antagonist of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)] on the metabolic parameters, cell cycle, and selected protein expression.MethodsThe study was based on the use of the resazurin reduction assay, flow cytometry analyses, and Western blotting in the mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT-22) in vitro.ResultsThe obtained results proved no cytotoxicity of the tested metabolites towards the HT-22 cells in the concentration range of 2.5% − 10% of culture medium. The cells treated with the tested compounds were characterized by an increase in the protein expression of SQSTM/p62, PCNA, c-SRC, SOD1, AhR, Beclin 1, and ERK1/2. Moreover, a significant role of AhR in the mechanism of action of the tested metabolites was observed at the protein expression level.ConclusionThe observed increase in the proliferation-related markers in the HT-22 cells proves the beneficial protective potential of these M-CFSs. Given the findings, we speculate their positive impact on the cognitive functions in the central nervous system.Clinical trial registration dateNot applicable.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.Graphical Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43440-025-00767-w.

BackgroundPolyphenols have garnered significant interest because of their potential health benefits, but their bioavailability is limited. According to recent studies, in vivo metabolites of phenol compounds may mediate their biological activity, potentially countering systemic oxidation and inflammation and therefore reducing multi-organ dysfunction associated with gut microbiota alterations. This pre-clinical study aims to characterize a novel formulation, enhancing metabolite bioavailability, ensuring long-term stability, and employing sustainable production methods. Our research provides the first evidence of the presence of these metabolites in the blood plasma of animals receiving different Bergamot polyphenols fraction (BPF) formulations.MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley were used throughout the study. The animals were subdivided into three groups of six animals each receiving 50 mg/kg of BPF standard (BPF), 50 mg/kg of Bergamot polyphenols fraction micronized (BPFmicro), and 50 mg/kgof Bergamot polyphenols fraction encapsulation (BPFencap), respectively, by oral gavage. Blood samples were collected, and plasma was prepared with a specific protocol and analysed for the presence of primary and secondary metabolites through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).ResultsUHPLC-MS/MS analysis showed significantly higher plasma concentrations of naringin and its metabolites in the BPFencap group compared to the BPF standard and BPFmicro groups at all time points. In comparison to BPF, plasma Area Under Curve (AUC) analysis of metabolites revealed substantially elevated values for the BPFencap group and substantially reduced values for the BPFmicro group.ConclusionWhile BPFmicro greatly increased bioavailability, the improvement was only temporary, highlighting a stability problem. The bioavailability and stability of metabolites are significantly improved over time by the new BPFencap formulation (micronized BPF in hybrid phospholipid systems with citrus albedo fibers).Graphical abstractSupplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43440-025-00758-x.

Sertraline (SER) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescribed for depression, including during pregnancy. Existing literature suggests a potential association between gestational SER use and cardiac and neurodevelopmental anomalies in exposed offspring. This study evaluated the relative impacts of SER and its metabolite desmethylsertraline (DES) on the proteome during early development. Zebrafish embryos and larvae were exposed to individual treatments of translated umbilical cord-blood equivalent concentrations of SER or DES during early developmental stages. Quantified activity tracking and protein expression levels of serotonin transporter (SERT) were used to confirm a significant SSRI effect in exposed larvae. A whole-larvae proteomic analysis was conducted using a label-free quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry approach. Protein identification was performed using zebrafish and human protein databases. Apparent therapeutic SSRI effect of exposure doses of SER and DES was confirmed in zebrafish larvae, by reduced activity levels, as well as decreased SERT. DES, but not SER, resulted in several differentially regulated proteins, identified in both the zebrafish and human databases. The results from the two databases correlated and aligned with an increased risk for cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental dysregulation. Proteomic data suggest that DES, rather than SER, at physiologically relevant doses, may be responsible for adverse clinical outcomes reported after gestational SSRI use. Current data positions larval zebrafish as a possible tool for assessment of long-term risk after gestational SER use, as well as a drug development tool in this context. N/A.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a central nervous system stimulant that is approved and widely used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It acts primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, thereby enhancing synaptic concentrations of these neurotransmitters and improving attention, impulse control, and wakefulness. Despite its well-established therapeutic efficacy, MPH is associated with a complex safety profile that necessitates careful consideration, particularly in long-term use and in populations with preexisting health conditions. Cardiovascular risks, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and, in rare cases, serious adverse events such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death, have been reported. Psychiatric adverse effects, including anxiety, agitation, psychotic symptoms, and exacerbation of preexisting mood disorders, also warrant close monitoring. Additionally, MPH has the potential for misuse, abuse, and dependence, particularly due to its dopaminergic effects, which can contribute to reinforcement and addiction-related behaviors. This review synthesizes current evidence on the safety of MPH, with a focus on its impact on cardiovascular and psychiatric health, and addiction potential. Special attention is given to vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, individuals with comorbid psychiatric or cardiovascular conditions, and those with a history of substance use disorders. Furthermore, sex and gender influence health outcomes, for MPH healthcare strategies have been addressed. Given these concerns, the necessity for rigorous patient monitoring, individualized risk assessment, and adherence to prescribing guidelines is emphasized to optimize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks.Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

The group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), comprising mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7, and mGluR8, offer neuroprotective potential in mitigating excitotoxicity during ischemic brain injury, particularly in neonatal contexts. They are G-protein coupled receptors that inhibit adenylyl cyclase and reduce neurotransmitter release, mainly located presynaptically and acting as autoreceptors. This review aims to examine the differential expression and function of group III mGluRs across various brain regions such as the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, with a special focus on the neonatal stage of development. Glutamate excitotoxicity plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of brain ischemia in neonates. While ionotropic glutamate receptors are traditional targets for neuroprotection, their direct inhibition often leads to severe side effects due to their critical roles in normal neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Group III mGluRs provide a more nuanced and potentially safer approach by modulating rather than blocking glutamatergic transmission. Their downstream signaling cascade results in the regulation of intracellular calcium levels, neuronal hyperpolarization, and reduced neurotransmitter release, effectively decreasing excitotoxic signaling without completely suppressing essential glutamatergic functions. Importantly, the neuroprotective effects of group III mGluRs extend beyond direct modulation of glutamate release influencing glial cell function, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which contribute to secondary injury cascades in brain ischemia. This comprehensive analysis of group III mGluRs multifaceted neuroprotective potential provides valuable insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies to combat excitotoxicity in neonatal ischemic brain injury.

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Gliomas, malignant brain tumors with a dismal prognosis, alter glutamate homeostasis in the brain, which is advantageous for their growth, survival, and invasion. Alterations in glutamate homeostasis result from its excessive production and release to the extracellular space. High glutamate concentration in the tumor microenvironment destroys healthy tissue surrounding the tumor, thus providing space for glioma cells to expand. Moreover, it confers neuron hyperexcitability, leading to epilepsy, a common symptom in glioma patients. This mini-review briefly describes the biochemistry of glutamate production and transport in gliomas as well as the activation of glutamate receptors. It also summarizes the current pre-clinical and clinical studies identifying pharmacotherapeutics targeting glutamate transporters and receptors emerging as potential therapeutic strategies for glioma.

BackgroundSpontaneous preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Tocolytics are drugs used to inhibit uterine contractions in cases of imminent preterm birth, however, few are effective in stopping labour once initiated and all have side effects. Combination approaches involving drugs that target multiple signalling pathways that regulate contractions may increase efficacy, reduce dosage and improve tolerability. Both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S)-releasing compounds can reduce myometrial contractions. In a novel approach we evaluated the tocolytic properties of ATB-346–a H2S-releasing derivative of the NSAID naproxen, shown clinically to reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis.MethodsUsing organ baths, paired strips of human myometrium were exposed to increasing concentrations of ATB-346, or equimolar concentrations (10µM and 30µM) of the parent drug, naproxen, or the H2S-releasing moiety, 4-hydroxy-thiobenzamide (TBZ), alone. The ability of ATB-346 versus the individual components of ATB-346 to decrease ex vivo spontaneous contractions was investigated, and the potency was compared to a known H2S donor, Na2S.ResultsAcute application of Na2S produced a concentration-dependent decrease in force amplitude and force integral (area under the curve) of contraction. ATB-346 produced a more profound decrease in contraction compared to equimolar concentrations of naproxen or TZB alone and was more potent than the equivalent concentration of Na2S.ConclusionsATB-346 exhibits potent tocolytic properties in human myometrium. These exciting results call for further exploration of ATB-346, with a view to repurposing this or similar drugs as novel therapies for delaying preterm labour.