Electroacupuncture and Tongbian decoction ameliorate CUMS-induced depression and constipation in mice via TPH2/5-HT pathway of the gut-brain axis

作者：Yi Chen, Peihua Shen, Qi Li, S. Ong, Yunzhi Qian, Hai Lü, Min Li, Tianshu Xu · 发表于：Brain Research Bulletin · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111207 · 被引用次数：20 · 研究领域：Acupuncture Treatment Research Studies、Infant Health and Development、Traditional Chinese Medicine Studies

Depression is commonly associated with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as constipation, which can potentially intensify depressive symptoms. The interplay between these conditions is believed to be facilitated by the gut-brain axis, which suggests a complex bidirectional interaction. Current treatments, such as antidepressants and prokinetics, are often associated with side effects and high recurrence rates, highlighting the need for effective treatments targeting both depression and constipation. This study was designed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in conjunction with Tongbian decoction (TB) for the management of both depression and constipation, while also investigating the underlying mechanisms through the lens of the gut-brain axis. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was employed to induce a comorbidity model of depression and constipation in mice, followed by the administration of EA, EA + TB, and fluoxetine (FLX). The findings of the study demonstrated that the antidepressant effects of electroacupuncture (EA) in combination with Tongbian decoction (TB) were more pronounced than those of EA alone. The EA + TB treatment significantly ameliorated depression and anxiety-like behaviors, restored cognitive function, and enhanced gastrointestinal motility in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice. Furthermore, EA + TB reduced intestinal inflammation, restored neuronal morphology, increased the expression of tryptophan hydrox...