Research Progress in the Treatment of Poststroke Depression with Traditional Chinese Medicine

In recent years,the incidence rate of stroke has increased year by year.Post stroke depres‐sion is one of its main complications,which seriously affects the recovery of physiological functions and quality of life of stroke patients.Traditional Chinese medicine has signifi‐cant therapeutic effects in treating this disease.This article provides a classification and review of traditional Chinese medicine treatment methods for post-stroke depression,and looks forward to the current problems.

Study on the Efficacy of Shugan Jieyu Capsules Combined with Trazodone in Patients with Post-Stroke Depression and Insomnia

Objective:To analyze the effectiveness of applying ShuGan JieYu Capsules(SGJYC)combined with trazodone in patients with post-stroke depression(PSD)with insomnia.Methods:60 cases of PSD with insomnia patients admitted to the hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a reference group(trazodone)and a research group(SGJYC combined with trazodone)of 30 cases each.Statistics were analyzed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAM-D),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and Activities of Daily Living(ADL)scale before treatment and 4,8,and 12 weeks after treatment.Results:Before treatment,The results of HAM-D,PSQI,and ADL scale studies in the two groups before treatment were not statistically significant(P>0.05);4,8,and 12 weeks after treatment,the results of HAM-D and PSQI studies in the research group were lower than that of the reference group,and the results of ADL scale studies were higher than that of the reference group.There was a significant difference between the groups(P<0.05).The total adverse reaction rate of the research group was lower than that of the reference group,and there was a significant difference between the groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of SGJYC and trazodone reduced depression in post-stroke patients,corrected insomnia,improved sleep quality,was safe,and had a low rate of adverse reactions.

The effects of Xingnao Jieyu capsules on post-stroke depression are similar to those of fluoxetine

The Xingnao Jieyu capsule has been shown to effectively relieve neurologic impairments and les- sen depression. It remains poorly understood whether this capsule can be used to treat post-stroke depression. Thus, in the present study, we established a rat model of post-stroke depression using left middle cerebral artery occlusions in combination of chronic unpredictable stress and solitary housing during development. Experimental rats received intragastric perfusion with 0.82, 0.41, and 0.20 g/kg Xingnao Jieyu capsules separately dissolved in 2 mL distilled water. Fluoxetine served as a positive control. The treatment was conducted over 28 days. Sugar water consumption test, open-field test, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining results demonstrated that intragastric perfusion with various doses of Xingnao Jieyu capsules increased sugar water consumption, voluntary behaviors and synaptotagmin mRNA and protein expression in rats with post-stroke depression. These therapeutic effects were similar to those of fluoxetine. These results indicate that Xingnao Jieyu capsules upregulate synaptotagmin expression in hip pocampi of rats with post-stroke depression, and exert antidepressant effects.

Fluoxetine for poststroke depression A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that poststroke depression（PSD） may be related with the disequilibrium between noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） caused by cerebral injury. The injured regions involve noradrenergic and 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurons as well as conduction pathway. The levels of noradrenaline and 5-HT would be decreased. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of fluoxetine on preventing against PSD and recovery of neurologic function, and analyze the relationship of fluoxetine and the 5-HT level. DESIGN： A randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING： Department of Neurology, First Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University. PARTICIPANTS： Ninety consecutive patients, 47 female and 43 male, were recruited who admitted to hospital for recent stroke in the Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between September 2003 and February 2005. Subjects were aged （64±7） years, ranging from 47 to 79 years old. They all met the diagnosis criteria of various cerebrovascular diseases formulated in the 4th National Cerebrovascular Disease Conference and confirmed as stroke by skull CT or MRI; The time from onset to tentative administration was less than 7 days; The patients had clear consciousness, without obvious language disorder, They were randomized into treatment group （n =48） and placebo group （n =42）. METHODS： ①All the patients were given routine treatment according to treatment guideline of cerebrovascular disease after admission. Patients in the treatment group and placebo group received 20 mg/d fluoxetine and placebo （component： vitamin C） for 8 weeks, respectively. ② Neurologic deficit was assessed according to 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression （HAMD） and Activity of Daily Living Scale （ADL） before and at 2,4 and 8 weeks after test, separately; Meanwhile, the levels of platelet 5-HT and plasma 5-HT were determined. Grading criteria of HAMD intergral depression： non-depression 〈 8 points; mild depression 8 - 20 points; moderate depression 21 - 35 points; severe depression 〉 35 points. ADL was assessed with Barthel index score （full mark 100 points）. Higher points indicated better incidence and smaller dependence. Neurologic deficit score was made according to scoring criteria of neurologic deficit formulated in 1995 4th National Cerebrovascular Disease Conference： a score of 0 - 15 indicated a mild focal neurologic deficit, a score of 16 - 30 a moderate focal neurologic deficit, and a score of 31 - 45 a severe focal deficit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Scores of HAMD, ADL and neurologic deficit, and levels of plasma and platelet 5-HT of patients from 2 groups before, 2,4 and 8 weeks after test. RESULRS： Seventy-three of 90 randomized patients participated in the final analysis. In the treatment group, 11 patients dropped out due to insufficient clinical response （n =4）, somatic side effects （n =2）, intervening medical illness （n =1）, hypomania （n =3）, and other reasons （n =2）. In the placebo group, 6 patients existed due to insufficient clinical response （n =2）, somatic side effects （n =1） and other reasons （n =3）. ① Before treatment, there were no significant differences in scores of HAMD, DAL and neurologic deficit in patients between two groups （P 〉 0.05）. After 8 weeks of treatment, the scores of HAMD, DAL and neurologic deficit in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the placebo group （12.6±5.3 vs. 16.3 ±3.7; 8.6±6.4 vs. 11.2±6.4; 60.4±12.5 vs. 52.3±13.5, P 〈 0.01）. ② After 8 weeks of treatment, platelet 5-HT level of patients in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the placebo group [（325.3 ± 110.5） mg/L vs. （653.6±138.4） mg/L, P 〈 0.05], while there were no significant differences in plasma 5-HT between two groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Early fluoxetine treatment obviously retards PSD. The increase of platelet 5-HT level promotes the recovery of neurologic function.

Study of Factor Associated with Post Stroke Depression in the Teaching Hospital of Fann (Dakar-Senegal)

Introduction: Strokes are becoming more common in Africa, they are often accompanied by depressive symptoms, hence the need to investigate the factors associated with it for better management and prevention. Methodology: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study amongst patients hospitalized with stroke at the Neurology/Neuroscience Clinic of the FANN UNHC (Dakar) in 2016. After a clinical diagnosis, patients are subjected to socio-demographic questionnaire and were administered with modified Rankin and MADRS scores. Results: Among the patients, 33.7% had Post-Stroke Depression, most were aged 50 to 70 years, male and married. History of stroke and depression was strongly associated with Post-Stroke Depression, while functional or cognitive impairment caused by stroke contributed to the development of Post Stroke depression. The type of ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke did not appear to affect the occurrence of the Post-Stroke Depression, but Post-Stroke Depression was more frequent in subjects with a left hemispheric lesion 47.8% (p Discussion: The occurrence of a Post-Stroke Depression is a factor of poor prognosis, early diagnosis and holistic care lead to improved quality of life.

miR-137, a new target for post-stroke depression?

Expression of miR-137 is downregulated in brain tissue from patients with depression and suicidal behavior, and is also downregulated in peripheral blood from stroke patients. However, it is not yet known if miR-137 acts as a bridge between stroke and depression. To test this, we used middle cerebral artery occlusion and chronic mild stress to establish a post-stroke depression model in rats. Compared with controls, we found significantly lower miR-137 levels in the brain and peripheral blood from post-stroke depression rats. Injection of a miR-137 antagonist into the brain ventricles upregulated miR-137 levels, and improved behavioral changes in post-stroke depression rats. Luciferase assays showed miR-137 bound to the 3＇UTR of Grin2A, regulating Grin2A expression in a neuronal cell line. Grin2A gene overexpression in the brain of post-stroke depression rats, no- ticeably suppressed the inhibitory effect of miR-137 on post-stroke depression. Overall, our results show that miR-137 suppresses Grin2A protein expression through binding to Grin2A mRNA, thereby exerting an inhibitory effect on post-stroke depression. Our results offer a new therapeutic direction for post-stroke depression.

Electroacupuncture at the Wangu (GB 12) acupoint suppresses expression of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus and frontal lobe of rats with post-stroke depression

Electroacupuncture was performed at the Wangu （GB 12） acupoint, whose position is similar to the cerebellar fastigial nucleus in rats with post-stroke depression. Results showed that the expression of nuclear factor-κB and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β decreased. Simultaneously, the extent of edema in the hippocampus and frontal lobe decreased, and the morphology of the nerve cells recovered to near normal. In addition, fluoxetine treatment displayed a similar effect on post-stroke depression as electroacupuncture at GB 12 acupoint. The results indicate that electroacupuncture at GB 12 acupoint can reduce the levels of cytokines in the hippocampus and frontal lobe of rats with post-stroke depression, and thus provide a neuroprotective effect on post-stroke depression.

Apolipoprotein E polymorphisms increase the risk of post-stroke depression

Recent reports have shown that apolipoprotein E （APOE） polymorphisms are involved in neurodegenerative disease. However, it is unclear whether APOE affects post-stroke depression. Accordingly, we hypothesized that APOE polymorphisms modify the risk of post-stroke depression. Here, we performed a hospital-based case-control study （including 76 cerebral infarction cases with post-stroke depression, 88 cerebral infarction cases without post-stroke depression, and 109 controls without any evidence of post-stroke depression or cerebral infarction） to determine possible association between APOE rs429358 and rs7412 polymorphisms and risk of post-stroke depression. Our findings show no difference among the groups with regards genotype distribution of the rs7412 polymorphism. In contrast, APOE genotypes with rs429358-C alleles increased the risk of post-stroke depression. Further, the rs429358 polymorphism was associated with significantly decreased regional cerebral blood flow values in the left temporal lobe of post-stroke depression cases. Additionally, the rs429358 polymorphism was not only associated with depression severity, but with increasing serum levels of total cholesterol. These resuits suggest that the APOE rs429358 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of developing post-stroke depression, and that APOE rs429358-C allele genotypes may be detrimental to recovery of nerve function after stoke. Indeed, these findings provide clinical data for future post-stroke depression gene interventions.

Metabolic changes of prefrontal cerebral lobe,white matter and cerebellum in patients with post-stroke depression A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study

BACKGROUND： Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy （IH-MRS） non-invasively detects changes in chemical substances in the brain, which reflects the pathological metabolism.OBJECTIVE： To investigate changes in N-acetyl-aspartate （NAA）, choline （Cho）, creatine （Cr）, and myoinositol （MI） in the gray and white matter of cerebral prefrontal lobe and cerebellum of patients with differential degrees of post-stroke depression （PSD） using ^1H-MRS. DESIGN： A case control study. SETTING： The First Affiliated Hospital of the Dalian Medical University. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 38 patients with stroke （28 male and l0 female patients, aged 40 to 79 years） were selected from the Department of Neurology, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, from February to October in 2004. All subjects met the DSM-IV criteria for cerebrovascular disease and depression. The degree of depression was defined according to Hamilton criteria. 38 patients with PSD were divided into two groups according to the time after ischemia, 20 patients in the acute group with less than 10 days after ischemic attack （mild： 16 patients, moderate/severe： 4 patients） and 18 patients in the chronic group with more than l l days after ischemic attack （mild： 15 patients, moderate/severe： 3 patients）. Seventeen healthy volunteers with matching age from 41 to 80 years were examined as a control group. The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the University Medical Center Utrecht, and each participant signed an informed consent form. METHODS： Spectra were acquired by multi-voxel point-resolved spectroscopy （PRESS） sequence with GE signal.5T MR/i, localized in prefrontal cerebral lobe and cerebellum. Values of NAA, Cho, MI, and Cr ere compared between different graded PSD patients and control subjects with one-way analysis of variance in software SPSS 11.5. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Metabolite concentration in different brain regions of interest. Difference in metabolites between distinctly graded PSD patients and control subjects. Exclusion of age-effects on metabolites. RESULTS： Metabolite concentrations of different brain regions： A significant rise in the Cho/Cr ratio was detected in the acute and chronic group compared to the control group. The ratio change was more significant in the acute group （P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference between these three groups for other metabolites detected by IH-MRS in the right frontal white matter, bilateral frontal grey matter, and cerebellum （P 〉 0.05）. Comparison of metabolite levels among differently graded PSD patients and control subjects： a significant increase in the Cho/Cr ratio was detected in the left frontal white matter compared to the control group （P 〈 0.05）. There was no significant difference in age between patients in the stroke groups and the control group （P 〉 0.05）, and similarly, there was no significant correlation between age and absolute or relative values in the control group （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Abnormalities of frontal lobe in PSD were located in the white matter. There was early abnormality of metabolic substance in PSD.

CLINICAL STUDY ON ACUPUNCTURE IN THE TREATMENT OF POST-STROKE DEPRESSION WITH THE METHOD OF ACTIVATING THE DU MERIDIAN AND CLEARING THE MIND

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture in the treatment of post-stroke depression (PSD) with the method of activating the Du Meridian and clearing the mind. Methods: Two hundred and thirty one cases of PSD were randomly divided into two groups, acupuncture and control groups. In acupuncture group, Baihui (百会 GV 20), Dazhui (大椎 GV 14), Neiguan (内关 PC 6), Taichong (太冲 LR 3) and Shenmen (神门 HT 7) were selected as the main points to invigorate flow of qi in the Du Meridian and clear the mind. Patients in the control group received Fluoxetine orally, 20 mg once per-day. In addition, the same routine treatments were given to both groups, strengthened with rehabilitation exercises as early as possible; 8 weeks constituted one therapeutic course. HAMD and severity of neuro-functional defect of each case were evaluated before and 8-week after the treatment. Results: The total effective rate of acupuncture group was 92.37%, the control group, 72.88%. According to χ2 test, the difference between the two groups was remarkably significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture therapy of activating the Du Meridian and clearing the mind in the treatment of PSD was safe and effective.

Role of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in the Management of Post-Stroke Depression

Study Objectives: Stroke is a major neurological disease significantly threatening the human health and life with a high morbidity, disability, and mortality. Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the common complications of stroke. PSD has been a major factor hindering the recovery of neurological functions and daily activities in stroke patients and is closely related to the social avoidance and increased mortality of stroke patients. Although antidepressant drug treatment has improved during the last decades, symptoms in about 20% of the patients are not in remission two years after initiation of pharmacological intervention. Nowadays, non-invasive brain stimulation;techniques;transcranial direct current stimulation (tCDS) has gained an important interest in the treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders which might be of some help in treatment of PSD. The goal of the current study is to evaluate the beneficial short term role of tDCS on post-stroke depression. Study Design: This was a randomized double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial included forty hemiparetic patients with post-stroke depression from outpatient clinic of Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, in the period between June 2018 to June 2019. All patients diagnosed as having a PSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Depression was evaluated by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) pre and post treatment and quality of life was evaluated by the Stroke Specific Quality Of Life scale (SS-QOL). Patients were assigned randomly into two groups: the study group A and the control group B. Both groups received antidepressant medication in addition to physical therapy program. Group A received tCDS for 30 minutes, three times per week for one month, while the group B received sham transcranial direct current stimulation. Results: Active tDCS was significantly superior to sham with significant improvement in depression and Stroke Specific Quality Of Life in treated group in comparison to group B, p = 0.000. Conclusion: tDCS was effective for post- stroke depression and might be a favorable option for treating post-stroke patients.

Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Armillariella Mellea Powders Oral(银杏蜜环口服溶液) attenuates inflammation of microglia in habenular nucleus through CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis in post stroke depression

OBJECTIVE The Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Armillariella Mellea Powders Oral(Yinxingmihuan Koufu Rongye,YXMH),a representative drug for"Treating both Brain and Heart",showed considerable clinical effects in isch⁃emic cardiovascular and cerebral vascular diseases.Recently,it is reported that YXMH has the potential for treating myocardial and cerebral ischemia related mental disorders,such as post stroke depression(PSD)and chronic heart disease(CHD)associated anxiety disorder.However,its mechanism has not been clearly elucidated.Meanwhile,increasing evidence revealed that there are close functional links between depression and habenular nucleus.The present study investigates the underlying mechanism of YXMH on attenuating the inflammation of microglia in habenular nucleus through CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis in in a rat model of PSD.METHODS Rats were randomly devided into sham group,model group,Ginaton group(18 mg·kg^-1),Armillariella Mellea group(600 mg·kg-1),Fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg^-1),YXMH high-dose group(618 mg·kg^-1)and YXMH low-dose group(309 mg·kg^-1).The PSD model was induced by transarterial microembolization combined with sleep deprivation(2-Chloro-D-phenylalanine,PCPA,IH,200 mg·kg^-1,for 3 times,before the behavior test)in SD male rats.Then rats were treated with corresponding medicaments through gavage once a day until 3 weeks later,followed by body mass measurement,neurological deficit score evaluation,gripping strength and thermal withdrawl latency measurement,as well as depression related behavioral indicators,the open field test(OFT)and sucrose preference test.The pathological morphological changes of habenular nucleus was observed by HE staining,the expression of IBA-1 was measured and analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining,and alterations of proteins and genes related to the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis were analyzed using Western blotting(CX3CL1,CX3CR1)and real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)(CX3CL1,CX3CR1).RESULTS Compared with the sham group,rats in the model group manifested as decreased body mass,deficient neurological behavior and gripping strength,reduced loco⁃motor activity and sugar water consumption,as well as elevated thermal withdrawl latency(P<0.05,P<0.01).Mean⁃while,the pathological morphology of the habenular nucleus on the ischemic hemisphere showed significant neuronal degeneration,microglial proliferation,inflammatory cells and glia cells infiltration,together with up-regualted expression of IBA-1,CX3CL1,CX3CR1 protein and CX3CL1,CX3CR1 mRNA.YXMH attenuated inflammation of microglia in habenular nucleus through improving pathological morphology,inhibiting IBA-1 activation,down-regulating the expres⁃sion of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 proteins and genes,and thus improved the behavior performance of ischemic injury and depression.CONCLUSION YXMH ameliorates neurological deficit and depressive behavior in rat model of PSD induced by transarterial microembolization combined with sleep deprivation,and the mechanism is probably related to attenu⁃ating inflammation of microglia in habenular nucleus through CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis.

Melatoninergic Antidepressant in Post-Stroke Depression Therapy

This paper presents the results of the effects of Melitor (25 mg during two months) on the psychic-emotional state, cerebral hemodynamic and bioelectrical activity of the brain in 30 patients (average age 66.2 ± 3.2 years) with ischemic post-stroke depression. It has been found that this drug possesses a multimodal action which is characterized by the decrease of the level of depression, widening of the range of social-environmental activity, improvement of the cerebral blood circulation and harmonization of the brain electrogenesis. In the patients with right versus left hemisphere stroke, the effect of Melitor on the functional state of the brain was more pronounced. Based on the results obtained in our study, we can recommend Melitor to use it in complex scheme of rehabilitation care of patients of the given nosological category.

Sociodemographic profile and social support for post-stroke depression in Kinshasa: A rehabilitation based cross-sectional study

The World Health Organization has highlighted the emergence of non-communicable chronic diseases, including stroke, in developing countries. As a cause of death, stroke ranks first in Africa. Stroke is the foremost cause of neuropsychiatric disease, including post-stroke depression (PSD) which is a very common disease. Surveys of this condition in Congolese pa tients are virtually non-existent. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of PSD in Congolese patients and identify associated sociodemographic factors. Age, sex, address, province of origin, social and professional status, education, religion and consumption habits were chosen as indicators or parameters of interest to be examined in this study. The results of descriptive analyses are presented as frequencies for categorical variables and as mean ± standard deviation for quantitative variables. The association between different variables was assessed using tables of comparisons of proportions and the Chi-square test. Logistic regression was performed to predict the occurrence of PSD. There were more male than female patients. The mean age was 54.67 ± 12.51 years. Nearly 3 fourths of the patients were aged less than 65. The family was the primary source of social support. The majority was satisfied by the social support received from the family. Just over half the study patients (53.6%) had mild to severe depression as assessed by the PHQ9. Univariate analysis and logistic regression indicated a statistically significant association between low educational level and the occurrence of PSD. However, there was no relationship between age, sex or drinking habits and the onset of PSD. The majority of the subjects were satisfied by the social support from their families. Depression was common after stroke with the occurrence of 53.6%. These results highlight the need to investigate, diagnose and treat PSD, which is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality after stroke.

Research progress of post-stroke depression model

Post-stroke depression(PSD)is one of the complications after stroke,with an incidence of about 31%.There are different opinions on the pathogenesis of PSD,but it is still unclear and needs further study.At present,in addition to clinical research,the establishment and research of PSD animal model is an important part of the basic research of PSD.Therefore,it is very important to establish an effective animal model.In this paper,combined with the current situation at home and abroad,the relevant models are summarized and summarized.

Effects of Different Mode Exercise on Depression-like Behaviors and Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Rats with Post-stroke Depression

[Objectives]To explore the effects of high-intensity intermittent training(HIIT)on the degree of depression,neuronal morphology,and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in the hippocampal dentate gyrus(DG)of ischemic hemisphere in rats with post-stroke depression(PSD),and to investigate the potential mechanisms.[Methods]40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group,sham-operation group(Sham),PSD model group,moderate intensity aerobic training group(MIAT)and HIIT group(n=8 for each group).Except the control and Sham group,all other groups were given the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)using the intraluminal thread method,and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)was applied.After successful modeling,training programs of different intensity were performed in the MIAT and the HIIT group.Rats in the five groups were subjected to behavioral tests(open field test and tail suspension test)before and 28 d after training.Nissl staining was used to observe the morphological changes of neurons in the left hippocampal DG area.The expressions of BDNF protein were detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.[Results]After 28 d of training,compared with the other groups,the PSD group's pause time of the central lattice was prolonged;the immobility time increased in tail suspension test;the expression of BDNF decreased in the left hippocampal DG area.The difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).Neurons of hippocampal DG neurons were loosely arranged;cells were missing.Nissl body was lightly stained and even dissolved;the ethological findings in MIAT and HIIT rats were reversed;the expression of BDNF was elevated.Nissl staining showed that the cells were arranged neatly;the layers were dense,and the Nissl body was deeply stained.The changes in HIIT group were more significant than that in MIAT group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Compared with the traditional medium-intensity aerobic training,high-intensity interval training can improve the depression-like behavior in rats with post-stroke depression.The potential mechanism might be that HIIT increase the neuroplasticity and expression of BDNF in hippocampal DG area.

Overexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus protects against post-stroke depression

Post-stroke depression is associated with reduced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）. In this study, we evaluated whether BDNF overexpression affects depression-like behavior in a rat model of post-stroke depression. The middle cerebral artery was occluded to produce a model of focal cerebral ischemia. These rats were then subjected to isolation-housing combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress to generate a model of post-stroke depression. A BDNF gene lentiviral vector was injected into the hippocampus. At 7 days after injection, western blot assay and real-time quantitative PCR revealed that BDNF expression in the hippo- campus was increased in depressive rats injected with BDNF lentivirus compared with depressive rats injected with control vector. Furthermore, sucrose solution consumption was higher, and horizontal and vertical movement scores were increased in the open field test in these rats as well. These findings suggest that BDNF overexpression in the hippocampus of post-stroke depressive rats alleviates depression-like behaviors.

Research progress on pharmacological effect of Salvianolic acid for injection in post-stroke depression

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common affective disorders after acute cerebrovascular injury. It significantly increases the mortality, disability rate and recurrence rate of stroke, which places a heavy burden on families and society. The etiology of PSD is not yet clear, involving a series of complex mechanisms. Inflammatory response, apoptosis, neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters and many others may play important roles, and there is no effective treatment. Salvianolic acid for injection (SAFI) has the functions of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptotic and can improve depressive behavior. It is expected to become a new antidepressant for the treatment of PSD.

Post Stroke Depression: Experience at Abakaliki Nigeria

Background: Post stroke depression (PSD) is the most common psychiatric complication following stroke. There has not been any study to demonstrate its burden in Abakaliki, Nigeria. It is against this backdrop that we embarked on this study of the frequency and pattern of PSD in Abakaliki Nigeria. Method: This is a cross-sectional observational hospital based study undertaken at the Adult Neurology Outpatient Clinics of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria from February 2021 to July 2021 (6 months period). Results: Amongst the 110 stroke survivors enrolled in the study, 36 (32.7%) had Post Stroke Depression (PSD) with preponderance of mild type. Female gender and young age were associated with the presence of PSD. Conclusion: Post stroke depression is prevalent amongst stroke survivors in Abakaliki, Nigeria and more preponderant in women and young individuals.

Traditional Chinese nursing care for post-stroke depression patients:A review

目的:探讨脑卒中后抑郁病人的抑郁情况,并对其所采用的中医护理干预方式进行阐述,为今后全面提高脑卒中后抑郁病人的生活质量提供可靠依据,更有效地改善脑卒中后抑郁病人的抑郁情况。方法:筛选、分析、归纳和总结大量关于脑卒中后抑郁的国内外文献。结果:对脑卒中后抑郁患者实行中医护理综合干预,如中医情志疗法、穴位按摩、音乐疗法、针灸、饮食护理和中医康复训练等,结果发现这些方法有利于其抑郁症状的缓解和减轻,提高患者生命质量。结论:抑郁是脑卒中后患者值得关注的问题,其对患者的影响不亚于疾病本身所带来的危害,护理人员需掌握相关知识,采取及时准确的护理措施进行有效干预,达到医师、护士和患者及其家属满意的目标。