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Abstract Sleep deprivation (DS) is the forced elimination of sleep. While brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been extensively studied in the context of in mood changes following DS, the role of other neurotrophins remains elusive. This study explores the impact of DS on BDNF, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT4) at mRNA and protein level, considering their potential links to mood disturbances. The study involved 81 participants subjected to polysomnography (PSG) and DS. Blood samples, mood assessments, and actigraphy data were collected twice, after PSG and DS. NT mRNA expression and serum protein concentrations of BDNF, GDNF, NT3, and NT4 were measured. Participants were divided into Responders and Non-Responders based on mood improvement after DS. DS reduced BDNF mRNA expression in all participants, with no change in serum BDNF protein. GDNF protein decreased in Non-Responders, while Responders exhibited reduced GDNF mRNA. NT3 protein increased in both groups, while NT3 mRNA decreased in Respondents. NT4 protein rose universally post-DS, but NT4 mRNA remained unchanged. Physical activity (PA) negatively correlated with mRNA expression of BDNF, GDNF, and NT3 post-DS. The study’s short DS duration and exclusion of immature NT forms limit comprehensive insights. GDNF, together with NT3, might play an important role in mood response to DS. PA during DS seems to impair the mRNA expression of NTs in leukocytes. Future studies on the subject of sleep deprivation might consider investigating the relationship between BDNF and NT4 in the context of their apparent redundancy.

Abstract Background Ayurvedic medicine is based on natural healing methods that use herbal medicine to cleanse the body of toxins and to attain physical and mental regeneration. Triphala (TLP) is one of the most important ayurvedic supplements and is believed to have a beneficial effect on the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Purpose We aim to summarize available literature focused on the components of TLP (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Phyllanthus emblica) and discusse their effectiveness and therapeutic value for improving lower GI symptoms in functional GI disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods This study is based on pertinent papers that were retrieved by a selective search using relevant keywords in PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. Results The components of TLP are believed to cause restoration of the epithelium lining of the digestive tract, and by exhibiting mild laxative properties facilitate passage of stool in the colon. TLP is rich in polyphenols, vitamin C and flavonoids, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains various types of acids, such as gallic, chebulagic and chebulinic, which additionally possess cytoprotective and antifungal properties. Conclusion Triphala holds potential in improving lower GI symptoms and may be a valuable and effective addition to standard treatment of IBS. Supplementation of TLP herbal formulations alone or along with other probiotics can be recommended in ongoing clinical studies.

Background: Recent studies suggest that lipids, including free fatty acids (FFAs), are necessary for proper μ opioid receptor (MOR) binding and that activation of opioid receptors (ORs) improves intestinal inflammation. The objective of the study was to investigate a possible interaction between the ORs and FFA receptors (FFARs) ligands in the colitis. Methods: The potential synergistic effect of ORs and FFARs ligands was evaluated using mouse model of acute colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 4%). Compounds were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) once or twice daily at the doses of 0.01 or 0.02 mg/kg body weight (BW) (DAMGO—an MOR agonist), 0.3 mg/kg BW (DPDPE—a δ OR (DOR) agonist) and 1 mg/kg BW (naloxone—a non-selective OR antagonist, GLPG 0974—a FFAR2 antagonist, GSK 137647—a FFAR4 agonist and AH 7614—a FFAR4 antagonist) for 4 days. Results: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was significantly decreased after DAMGO (0.02 mg/kg BW) and GSK 137647 (1 mg/kg BW) administration and co-administration as compared to DSS group. Conclusions: Treatment with ligands of ORs and FFARs may affect the immune cells in the inflammation; however, no significant influence on the severity of colitis and no synergistic effect were observed.