Esketamine reduces inflammation in microglial cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, a bacterial toxin that mimics neuroinflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect involves upregulation of the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Blocking either the CB2 receptor with AM630 or PKC with chelerythrine reversed esketamine's ability to lower proinflammatory cytokines, nitrite, iNOS, and NF-κB (p65) expression. These results suggest the microglial CB2-PKC pathway mediates esketamine's anti-inflammatory actions, offering a potential mechanism for its antidepressant effects beyond direct neurotransmitter modulation.
An 8-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) reduced anxiety and improved functional recovery in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. In a prospective controlled study, 100 patients were assigned to MBI or standard care. The MBI group showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety and improvements in functional outcomes at post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Adherence was high (84% completed ≥6 sessions), satisfaction averaged 8.9/10, and no adverse events occurred. A moderate negative correlation between anxiety and function at follow-up (r = –0.52) suggests a dual benefit. The authors argue that structured psychosocial interventions are feasible and clinically beneficial in this population.