Mechanisms of Electroconvulsive Therapy to Improve Depressive Symptoms and Sleep Regulation Based on the Microbial Gut-brain Axis
Jiaming Ji1, Chaojin Chen1
1Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University
Objective:
This study explores the potential of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to alleviate depressive symptoms by regulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis, with a focus on its effects on gut microbiota composition and function.
Background:
While ECT is increasingly recognized for its antidepressant effects, its impact on the gut-brain axis and microbiota remains underexplored. Understanding these mechanisms could offer insights into how ECT improves depression and sleep quality.
Design/Methods:
A rat model of depression was induced using Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS). Rats were divided into control, depression, and ECT treatment groups. Behavioral tests, including body weight measurement, the sucrose preference test, and the forced swimming test, were used to assess depressive symptoms. Histological and microcirculatory changes in brain and gut tissues were evaluated using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence, and laser-dispersion hemodynamic imaging. Inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL6) in intestinal tissues were measured by ELISA, and gut microbiota diversity was analyzed through macrogenomic sequencing. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with significance set at P<0.05.
Results:
ECT significantly improved depressive behaviors (P<0.01), reducing immobility in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests (P<0.05). Histological analysis revealed reduced intestinal inflammation (P<0.05) and increased expression of c-Fos in brain tissue (P<0.05). ECT also significantly decreased levels of TNFα, IL1β, and IL6 (P<0.01) and enhanced gut microbiota diversity, particularly restoring the abundance of Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
ECT exerts antidepressant effects and improves sleep by regulating gut microbiota and enhancing the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
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