The anti-depressive role of Pei Yuan Kai Yu Tong Zhi compound in cerebral small vessel disease based on gut microbiota

The depression is the common complication of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). How to intervene or treat depression symptom in CSVD has become the compelling question. In this study, we explored the anti-depressive role of Pei Yuan Yu Tong Zhi compound (PYKYTZ) based on gut microbiota. CSVD in rats was induced by hypertension using high salt feed and then depressive symptom was evoked using chronic unpredictable mild stress. We found PYKYTZ could improve the depressive-like behaviors in CSVD rats with depression. Also, we determined PYKYTZ affected the microbiota environment in the gut to modulate metabolites production, which then contributed to the protection of nerve and vessels that are associated with depression pathogenesis. Pseudo sterile rats transplanted with fecal microbiota validated the mechanism of PYKYTZ in CSVD with depression.