Low hyperforin St. John’s wort extract Ze 117 counteracts the cortisol mediated chain length extension and increased number of double bonds in phospholipids of PBMC

Introduction Stress causes pathological changes in the signal transduction of neurotransmitter systems, which can lead to depression [1]. Signaling relies not only on receptor-ligand interactions and subsequent regulatory processes, but also on the composition of the surrounding lipid bilayer, which has a decisive influence on the behaviour of receptors [2] [3].

Aim Aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of Ze 117, low in hyperforin, on the lipid composition of cortisol-stressed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Method The influence of Ze 117 on the membrane fluidity of PBMC compared to cortisol was investigated by fluorescence anisotropy measurements. Changes in phospholipids in terms of number of double bounds and chain lenghts under the influence of Ze 117 in cortisol-stressed PBMCs were analyzed by mass spectrometry.

Results Ze 117 has an opposite effect on the membrane fluidity of PBMC compared to cortisol. An increased average number of double bonds and carbon atoms in fatty acids of certain phospholipid classes in cortisol pre-treated cells is reversed by Ze 117.

Conclusion The membrane fluidity depends essentially on the phospholipid composition. Ze 117 therefore normalizes the membrane fluidity of cortisol-stressed cells. In particular, the decrease in the number of double bonds under Ze 117 suggests an increase in membrane rigidity, which counteracts the cortisol effect.

Acknowledgements We thank Zeller AG for the financial support.

• References

• 1 Tafet G. et al. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2016; 28: 77-88
• 2 Calebiro D. et al. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 39: 109-122
• 3 McIntosh T. et al. Annu Rev Biophys Biomol Struct 2006; 35: 177-198

Publication History

Article published online:
13 June 2022