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Perinatal depression is the most common psychiatric complication of pregnancy, with its detrimental effects on maternal and infant health widely underrated. There is a pressing need for specific molecular biomarkers, with pregnancy-related decline in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the blood and downregulation of TrkB receptor in the brain reported in clinical and preclinical studies. In this review, we explore the emerging role of BDNF in reproductive biology and discuss evidence suggesting its deficiency as a risk factor for perinatal depression. With the increasing evidence for restoration of serum BDNF levels by antidepressant therapy, the strengthening association of perinatal depression with deficiency of BDNF supports its potential as a surrogate endpoint for preclinical and clinical studies., (Crown Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The reinstatement and revision of abandoned therapeutic ventures of the past has been an integral part of medical research and advancement. In psychiatry, much interest was generated recently by emerging data on the use of faecal supplements for restoring the neurochemical balance in the brain, and on the ingestion of placenta to stabilize neural circuits disrupted by childbirth-related hormonal changes. Herein, we consider the emerging scientific evidence and socio-cultural prerequisites favouring the re-entry of these heterodox customs, which are reminiscent of widespread instinctive behaviours in wildlife, into modern healthcare. We explore their evolutionary background and adaptive significance, and consider mechanisms of therapeutic benefits. Finally, we reflect on emerging opportunities and challenges, which present clues towards better prevention and treatment of major neuropsychiatric disorders., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the principal site for the translation of motor neurochemical signals to muscle activity. Therefore, the release and sensing machinery of acetylcholine (ACh) along with muscle contraction are two of the main targets of natural toxins and pathogens, causing paralysis. Given pharmacology and medical advances, the active ingredients of toxins that target postsynaptic mechanisms have become of major interest, showing promise as drug leads. Herein, we review key facets of prevalent toxins modulating the mechanisms of ACh sensing and generation of the postsynaptic response, with muscle contraction. We consider the correlation between their outstanding selectivity and potency plus effects on motor function, and discuss emerging data advocating their usage for the development of therapies alleviating neuromuscular dysfunction., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Hypothalamic neural circuits are recognised as primary sites of the neuromodulator effect of homeostatic food intake, whereas changes in ventral tegmental area (VTA), hippocampus and amygdala have been implicated in the hedonic, cognitive and emotional aspects of eating. Here, we discuss synaptic transmission and plasticity within brain circuits governing appetite and food intake behaviour, focusing on the metabolic hormones ghrelin and leptin. We discuss functional changes within these circuitries and critically assess the applicability of electrophysiological measurements using in vitro multielectrode array (MEA) systems to identify novel appetite modulators. Stringent validation of functional assays to screen neuroactive substrates is of crucial importance for the discovery of novel food intake modulators, with major implications for the nutraceutical food industry and drug development., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)