Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the leading causes of disturbances in emotional, cognitive, autonomic, and endocrine functions, according to the large amount of information on MDD that has been accumulated during recent years. Although dysregulation of the HPA axis by chronic stress is indicative of MDD, the molecular mechanisms and functional changes in the brain underlying depression are largely unknown. Yokukansan (YKS) can affect behavioral and psychological symptoms such as aggression, anxiety, and depression in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and Kamishoyosan (KSS) is widely used for the treatment of various neuropsychiatric symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. In the previous study, we developed specific animal models and indicated molecular mechanisms of the YKS and KSS functions for these various neuropsychiatric symptoms. These results suggest that one or more active ingredients in YKS and KSS could be used as a possible alternative to current antidepressant drugs.

Baroreceptor reflex is a negative feedback mechanism that buffers short-term blood pressure fluctuations caused by daily activities such as postural changes and exercise, maintaining blood pressure at a steady level. In autonomic disorders with orthostatic hypotension, including multiple system atrophy, Parkinson's disease, and pure autonomic failure, studies have reported a correlation between the severity of autonomic dysfunction and decreased baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS). However, in postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a common form of orthostatic intolerance, research findings on BRS have been inconsistent. The pathophysiology of POTS remains incompletely understood, with multiple mechanisms likely overlapping in individual cases. This review examines the significance of BRS in POTS patients, integrating recent literature with our own clinical experiences. We explore the relationship between BRS and hemodynamic parameters during orthostatic stress, its association with neurohumoral factors, and its potential role in symptom manifestation. Through integral synthesis of current knowledge, including our clinical observations we aim to provide insights into the complex interplay between baroreceptor function and POTS pathophysiology, and to identify directions for future research in this field.

In a menopausal animal model (ovariectomized rats), we investigated whether estrogen contributes to the maintenance of body temperature in the cold via the cold receptor TWIK-related potassium channels (TREK). Ostruthin, a TREK1 and TREK2 agonist, was administered intraperitoneally, and physiological data related to thermoregulation, as well as the expression of TREK family mRNA in the dorsal root ganglia, were measured. Ostruthin increased body temperature, and estrogen enhanced this effect. This effect is likely due to tail vasoconstriction induced by ostruthin, with estrogen further enhancing this effect. In addition, estrogen increased the expression of Trek1 and this might also contribute to the enhancement of peripheral cold sensitivity, thereby contributing to this effect.

Instantaneous orthostatic hypotension (INOH), a subtype of orthostatic dysregulation, is defined as recovery time of blood pressure of more than 25 seconds, or that for more than 20 seconds with a 60% or greater decrease in mean arterial pressure after standing during an orthostatic standing test. To better understand the pathophysiology of INOH, the recovery time of the total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR) while standing was measured. The study included 121 patients aged 7–17 years who were diagnosed with INOH based on active orthostatic standing test from 2019 to 2023. Blood pressure, heart rate, and TPR were measured using a continuous sphygmomanometer (Finapress). Recovery time was defined as the time taken for the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and TPR values to return to the values recorded before standing. The TPR recovery time was longer than the MAP recovery time in 34 patients (28%), shorter in 60 patients (50%), and same in 27 patients (22%). When the TPR recovery time is longer than the MAP recovery time, peripheral blood flow increases; when it is shorter than the MAP recovery time, peripheral blood flow decreases. It is suggested that INOH exhibits distinct pathophysiological conditions in terms of blood flow and vascular resistance.

The physical and psychological symptoms of 35 healthy subjects, ranging in age from 21 to 62 years (mean age, 42 years), were assessed using the pupillary light reflex (PLR). Health status was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ 28). PLR was recorded by alternating black (luminance 0.8 cd/m²) and white (luminance 100 cd/m²) screens for 3 seconds (5 times) to both eyes using a new pupil measuring device, KIKU-NAC (nac Image Technology). Subjects with a GHQ28 score of 6 or more had a significantly larger root mean squared error (RMSE) of maximum pupil diameter (p=0.004). There was also a positive correlation between the higher GHQ28 score and the increased RMSE (r=0.379, p=0.025). The PLR to alternating black and white stimuli can be used to assess physical and psychological symptoms.

We performed Fascial Manipulation on two women with chronic bowel movement abnormalities. The women reported improvements in both constipation-specific quality of life measures and constipation severity. These results suggest that manual therapy for fascia is effective for chronic constipation.