visualizing-spatiotemporal-dynamics-somatosensory-cortex-neurons

Visualizing Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Somatosensory Cortex Neurons During Electroacupuncture Using Two-Photon <em>In Vivo</em> Imaging

This protocol establishes a comprehensive experimental framework for investigating cortical circuit dynamics during EA (electroacupuncture) stimulation. ...

Jianghan University

Anxiety disorders, characterized by persistent apprehension, somatic symptoms and fatigue, are leading causes of disability worldwide. The burgeoning therapeutic potential of aerobic exercise has gained prominence as a leading non-pharmacological strategy, with evidence supporting its effectiveness in alleviating anxiety across diverse conditions. This review synthesizes current research to clarify the molecular mechanisms through which aerobic exercise ameliorates anxiety in terms of the effects of exercise on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hepatic-brain axis and epigenetics; electroencephalographic alterations; inflammatory pathways; the balance between oxidative and nitrogenous stress; various substances, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and opioid peptides; and the 5-HT2C receptor and cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1R), among others, reflecting the positive modulatory effects of aerobic exercise on anxiety. As a non-pharmacological intervention, aerobic exercise has been demonstrated to be useful in a variety of medical applications and has considerable potential for ameliorating symptoms of anxiety.

Unraveling the Molecular Underpinnings: The Therapeutic Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Anxiety Disorders.

EA effectively treats gastrointestinal diseases, pain symptoms, and emotional disorder. Furthermore, vHPC and mPFC are two of the crucial nuclei involved in controlling chronic pain and anxiety-like behaviors. In the present study, it is investigated whether EA may reduce visceral pain and anxiety associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by inhibition of vHPC-to-mPFC pathway. We found that EA alleviated visceral hyperalgesia and anxiety in TNBS-treated IBD mice. EA decreased the numbers of c-Fos and neurogranin (labeled glutamatergic neurons) co-labeled neurons in both vHPC and mPFC. EA suppressed the activation of vHPC and mPFC pyramidal neurons associated with anxiety-like behaviors and EA suppressed the activation of vHPC neuronal response to von Frey filament. In addition, chemogenetic inhibition of the vHPC-to-mPFC pathway alleviated mechanical allodynia, visceral hyperalgesia and anxiety in IBD mice. However, chemogenetic activation of vHPC-to-mPFC pathway antagonized the effect of EA on anxiety and visceral hyperalgesia, but not on mechanical allodynia in IBD mice. In conclusion, our findings revealed that vHPC-to-mPFC pathway is involved in the inhibitory effect of EA on anxiety and pain sensitivity in IBD mice. EA may exert anti-anxiety effect via inhibition of vHPC-to-mPFC pathway. Thus, our study provides new information about the cellular circuits mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of EA on the comorbidity of visceral pain and anxiety induced by IBD.

Electroacupuncture reduces visceral pain and anxiety associated with inflammatory bowel disease by inhibition of vHPC-to-mPFC pathway.

Cognitive impairment encompasses a spectrum of neurological deficits affecting memory, attention, executive function and other higher‑order cognitive processes. Increasing attention has been paid to modifiable lifestyle factors that influence its onset and progression. Among these, chronic high‑fat diet (HFD) consumption has emerged as a significant and potentially reversible risk factor for cognitive decline. Both epidemiological and experimental studies have consistently linked HFD‑particularly diets rich in saturated fatty acids‑to impairments in memory, attention and executive functions. Mechanistically, HFD induces neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance and gut microbiota dysbiosis, which collectively disrupt synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival. Individual susceptibility factors such as age, sex and the presence of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele may further exacerbate these pathological effects. This review also highlights promising intervention strategies, including adherence to Mediterranean or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension dietary patterns, regular physical exercise, pharmacological approaches and gut microbiota modulation. A comprehensive understanding of these multifactorial pathways is essential for developing targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions to mitigate HFD‑associated neurodegeneration.

Article	Year
Unraveling the Molecular Underpinnings: The Therapeutic Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Anxiety Disorders. Current medical science\| PubMed ID: 40293616	2025
Electroacupuncture reduces visceral pain and anxiety associated with inflammatory bowel disease by inhibition of vHPC-to-mPFC pathway. Molecular pain\| PubMed ID: 41190695	2025
High‑fat diet and cognitive dysfunction: Mechanistic insights into diet‑induced neurodegeneration (Review). International journal of molecular medicine\| PubMed ID: 41201057	2026

Xue-Fei Hu

Biography

JoVE Journal Publications

Other Publications