Chronic stress is linked to changes in brain physiology and functioning, affects the central nervous system (CNS), and causes psychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety. In this study, antidepressant effects of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) (LGG) (15 × 10 ⁸ cfu/ml/day) on the mechanisms playing a role in the pathophysiology of depression were investigated, and the results were compared with the effects of bupropion (20 mg/kg/day) and venlafaxine (20 mg/kg/day). A total of 56 male Wistar Albino rats were used in control, stress, bupropion, venlafaxine, LGG, bupropion + stress, venlafaxine + stress, LGG + stress groups, n = 7 each. Changes in the body weight of the rats during the experiment were determined by weight measurement. Gene expression levels were determined by the RT-PCR method. Four different behavioral tests were performed to evaluate depressive behaviors (sucrose preference test, three-chamber sociability test (social interaction test), elevated plus maze test, forced swim test). LGG treatment was effective in reducing depressive-like behaviors, increased BDNF level, 5-HT1A, DRD1, ADRA-2A, GABA-A α1, CNR1 expression levels in the hippocampus and NOD1 receptor expression level in the small intestine ( p < 0.05), and also decreased neurodegeneration level, glial cell activity, and intestinal permeability in depressed rats. As a result, it was revealed in this study for the first time that the LGG probiotic bacterium has antidepressant properties and was found to be more effective than the antidepressant drugs bupropion and venlafaxine. Our results suggest that LGG is a potential psychobiotic bacterium and can be useful to treat depression. It may be an effective and useful option in combating depression.

Background/aim: The aims of this study were to determine the levels of the total antioxidant status (TAS), the total oxidant status (TOS), the oxidative stress index (OSI), and the concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and M (IgM) in colostrum, and evaluate relationships between these parameters and maternal age, maternal parity, and infant sex. Materials and methods: The analysis was performed in serum samples of colostrum which were collected from 90 mothers on the first day of lactation between 10:00 and 12:00 AM. Results: The measurements established that no significant association existed between the TAS level of colostrum and parity, maternal age, or infant sex. However, mothers 18 to 30 years of age had significantly lower colostrum TOS and OSI levels compared with mothers older than 30 years of age. IgA and IgM values of the colostrum of primiparous mothers were significantly higher than those of multiparous mothers, whereas no correlations existed with the age of the mother. Additionally, significantly higher colostrum IgA and IgM values were observed in female infants fed colostrum compared with male infants. Conclusion: In conclusion, sex-based hormonal changes in mothers during pregnancy may be associated with the different colostral immunoglobulin levels for male and female infants.

Depression, a prevalent psychiatric disorder, exerts severe and debilitating impacts on an individual's mental and physical well-being, and it is considered a chronic mental illness. Chronic stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of depression. Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus thermophilus are psychobiotic bacteria and synthesize some neurotransmitters that play a role in the pathogenesis of depression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Bactolac (Lactobacillus plantarum NBIMCC 8767 + Streptococcus thermophilus NBIMCC 8258) on chronic stress-induced depression in rats. Behavioral tests, including the sucrose preference test, elevated plus maze test, forced swim test, and three-chamber sociability test, were employed to assess depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. The expression level of the 5-HT1A, DRD1, ADRA-2A, GABA-A α1, CNR1, NR3C2, NOD1, NLRP3 and MC4R; BDNF levels, glial activity and intestinal permeability were determined in chronic stress-induced depression in rats. In conclusions, chronic stress decreased the expression levels of 5-HT1A, DRD1, ADRA-2A, GABA-A α1, CNR1, NR3C2, NOD1 and BDNF level; increased the expression levels of NLRP3 and MC4R, caused neurodegeneration and glial activity, ultimately led to depressive effects. Bactolac was effective in reducing depressive-like behaviors according to the results of behavioral tests. Bactolac treatment provided high neuronal survival rate increasing BDNF level, prevented the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by reducing the expression levels of NLRP3 and MC4R, therefore, prevented the excessive activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and accordingly, reduced neurodegeneration and glial cell activation in depressed rats. We can suggest that Bactolac supplementation may be beneficial in coping with stress, alleviate the effects of chronic stress and help to protect mental health.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum. Spexin is a novel peptide with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of spexin in mitigating acetic acid‐induced colitis in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to control (n = 14) and colitis (n = 21) groups. Colitis was induced via 5% acetic acid (AA) administration (1 mL, intrarect). Post‐induction, rats received subcutaneous saline (1 mL/kg), spexin (50 µg/kg/day), or oral sulfasalazine (500 mg/kg) for 5 days. Control groups received saline or spexin. After 24 h of the final treatment, colons were evaluated macroscopically, and levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐18 were determined by ELISA, oxidative stress markers myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured spectrophotometrically and NOD‐like receptor pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), caspase‐1 proteins were analyzed with Western Blot alongside histopathological assessments. Colitis induction significantly elevated macroscopic damage scores, stool consistency, inflammatory cytokines, MDA, MPO, and NLRP3, NF‐κB, caspase‐1, while reducing GSH levels (p < 0.001–0.01). Microscopic evaluations confirmed increased necrosis, submucosal edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration (p < 0.001). Spexin reversed these effects by enhancing GSH levels (p < 0.01), reducing macroscopic/microscopic scores, cytokines, MDA, and MPO levels (p < 0.05–0.001), and suppressing NLRP3, NF‐κB, and caspase‐1 activation (p < 0.01–0.001). For the first time that spexin ameluates acetic acid‐induced colitis in rats by modulating the NF‐κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, reducing oxidative damage, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and suppressing inflammation.

Background and Objectives: Telerehabilitation (TR) offers an innovative approach to overcome accessibility challenges in managing multiple sclerosis (MS). This exploratory study evaluated the efficacy of integrating respiratory exercises into TR programs for improving respiratory function, fatigue, and quality of life. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving 48 MS patients randomized into TR and control groups was conducted. Both groups performed respiratory exercises over eight weeks. Pulmonary function, fatigue severity (FSS), quality of life (MSQOL-54), and functional capacity (6MWT) were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in FEV1 (L), PEF (L), FEF%25–75 (L), FSS, MSQOL-54 physical and mental subscales, and the 6MWT distance (p < 0.05). The TR group exhibited unique improvements in FEV1 (%) and slightly greater reductions in fatigue, although the intergroup differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Telerehabilitation incorporating respiratory exercises effectively enhances the respiratory function, fatigue, and quality of life of MS patients, suggesting a viable alternative to conventional rehabilitation. Future studies should focus on advanced-stage MS, long-term sustainability, and technological integration to optimize the potential of TR.

Objective: it is well known that low omentin levels and reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) are outgrowth of obesity. Besides, in obese subjects, microvascular dysfunction can be an initial stage of cardiovascular diseases. This situation can be evaluated with skin laser–Doppler flowmetry (LDF).Methods: in this study we investigated the effects of 12 weeks moderate physical exercise on microvascular reactivity and plasma levels of omentin and NO in 25 overweight and obese subjects. Control group was composed of 28 sedentary participants who were neither obese nor overweight. Microvascular reactivity was handled by measurement of skin blood flow from the ring finger of the right hand with LDF, which is a non–invasive method for evaluation. With this method, it was aimed to examine the post–occlusive reactive hyperemia response of the patients. None of the participants in both groups have never followed a regular exercise schedule in their life span.Results: with regular exercise, there was a statistically significant decrease in glucose (p=0.008), cholesterol (p=0.05), and triglyceride (p=0.048) levels, while body mass index, high–density lipoprotein, and low–density lipoprotein levels did not change significantly in overweight/obese group. Also, the omentin level significantly increased (p=0.01), but NO level did not change significantly. Moreover, the amount of change in omentin and NO levels measured before and after the physical exercise were significantly correlated (r=0.57). Considering the microcirculation, rest flow (p=0.001) and peak flow value of LDF (p=0.001) increased after the physical exercise.Conclusion: our study shows that moderate physical exercise affects microvascular reactivity and plasma levels of omentin in overweight and obese subjects.