Modulating cyclic nucleotides pathways by bioactive compounds in combatting anxiety and depression disorders

Abstract

Anxiety and depression disorders are highly prevalent neurological disorders (NDs) that impact up to one in three individuals during their lifetime. Addressing these disorders requires reducing their frequency and impact, understanding molecular causes, implementing prevention strategies, and improving treatments. Cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (cNMPs) like cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), cyclic uridine monophosphate (cUMP), and cyclic cytidine monophosphate (cCMP) regulate the transcription of genes involved in neurotransmitters and neurological functions. Evidence suggests that cNMP pathways, including cAMP/cGMP, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and Protein kinase A (PKA), play a role in the physiopathology of anxiety and depression disorders. Plant and mushroom-based compounds have been used in traditional and modern medicine due to their beneficial properties. Bioactive compound metabolism can activate key pathways and yield pharmacological outcomes. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of bioactive compounds from plants and mushrooms in modulating cNMP pathways. Understanding these processes will support current treatments and aid in the development of novel approaches to reduce the prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders, contributing to improved outcomes and the prevention of associated complications. Graphical abstract

PDE4 inhibitors: potential protective effects in inflammation and vascular diseases

“…cAMP and cGMP are second messengers that regulate numerous cellular pathways. They open cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels and stimulate protein kinases (PKA and PKG) activated by cAMP or cGMP ( Gutierrez-Rodelo et al, 2023 ). Downstream targets of PKA and PKG comprise receptors, ion channels, cytoskeletal proteins, and transcription factors.…”