Ophiocordyceps formosana improves hyperglycemia and depression-like behavior in an STZ-induced diabetic mouse model. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Chao-Wei; Hong, Tzu-Wen; Wang, Ying-Jing; Chen, Ko-Chien; Pei, Ju-Chun; Chuang, Tai-Yuan; Lai, Wen-Sung; Tsai, Sheng-Hong; Chu, Richard; Chen, Wei-Cheng; Sheen, Lee-Yan; Takahashi, Satoru; Ding, Shih-Torng; Shen, Tang-Long
• Is Part Of: BMC complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 16:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 11
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Ophiocordyceps formosana -- Insulin insensitivity -- Depression; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; Complementary Therapies -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1278-7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-6882

Abstract

Abstract Background A newly defined Cordyceps species, Ophiocordyceps formosana (O. formosana ) has been implicated in multitudinous bioactivities, including lowering glucose and cholesterol levels and modulating the immune system. However, few literatures demonstrate sufficient evidence to support these proposed functions. Although the use ofCordyceps spp. has been previously addressed to improve insulin insensitivity and improve the detrimental symptoms of depression; its mechanistic nature remains unsettled. Herein, we reveal the effects ofO. formosana in ameliorating hyperglycemia accompanied with depression. Methods Diabetes was induced in mice by employing streptozotocin(STZ), a chemical that is toxic to insulin-producing β cells of the pancreas. These streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice showed combined symptoms of hyperglycemia and depressive behaviors. Twenty-four STZ-induced mice were randomly divided into 3 groups subjected to oral gavage with 100 μL solution of either PBS or 25 mg/mLOphiocordyceps formosana extract (OFE) or 2 mg/mL rosiglitazone (Rosi, positive control group). Treatments were administered once per day for 28 days. An additional 6 mice without STZ induction were treated with PBS to serve as the control group. Insulin sensitivity was measured by a glucose tolerance test and levels of adiponectin in plasma and adipose tissue were also quantified. Behavioral tests were conducted and levels of monoamines in various brain regions relating to depression were evaluated. Results HPLC analysis uncovered three major constituents, adenosine, D-mannitol and cordycepin, withinO. formosana similar to other prestigious medicinalCordyceps spp.. STZ-induced diabetic mice demonstrated decreased body weight and subcutaneous adipose tissue, while these symptoms were recovered in mice receiving OFE treatment. Moreover, the OFE group displayed improved insulin sensitivity and elevated adiponectin within the plasma and adipose tissue. The anti-depressive effect of OFE was observed in various depression-related behavior tests. Concurrently, neurotransmitters, like 5-HT and dopamine in the frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus were found to be up-regulated in OFE-treated mice. Conclusions Our findings illustrated, for the first time, the medicinal merits ofO. formosana on Type I diabetes and hyperglycemia-induced depression. OFE were found to promote the expression of adiponectin, which is an adipokine involved in insulin sensitivity and hold anti-depressive effects. In addition, OFE administration also displayed altered levels of neurotransmitters in certain brain regions that may have contributed to its anti-depressive effect. Collectively, this current study provided insights to the potential therapeutic effects ofO. formosana extracts in regards to hyperglycemia and its depressive complications.