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Quercetin Attenuates Depressive-Like Behavior in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’S Disease: Involvement of Galectin-3 Signaling Pathway Publisher



Behrasi F1 ; Mirshekar MA2, 3 ; Montazerifar F4 ; Nobari NT1 ; Gholipour D1 ; Arabmoazzen S5 ; Veisi A6
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
  2. 2. Clinical Immunology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
  4. 4. Pregnancy Health Research Center, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
  5. 5. Occupational Sleep Research Center, Baharloo Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. Department of Basic Sciences, Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan University of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran

Source: Research Journal of Pharmacognosy Published:2024


Abstract

Background and objectives: Clinical studies have consistently identified depression-related disorders as the most prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Quercetin has garnered significant attention as a therapeutic approach for various neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly symptoms of depression in individuals. This study aimed to compare the neuroprotective effects of quercetin on depression-like behaviors and serum levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and galectin (Gal)-3, in a rat model of AD. Methods: Forty-eight Wistar rats were categorized into six groups: control, sham, AD, quercetin 10, quercetin 25, and quercetin 100 mg/kg body weight through gavage for 8 weeks. The rat model of AD was induced by intra-cerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin (STZ; 4 mg/rat, bilaterally). Depressive-like behaviors were assessed using the forced swimming test (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM), and open field test (OFT). Additionally, serum Gal-3 and TNF-α concentrations were measured. Results: STZ administration led to increased depression-related behaviors in OFT, EPM, and FST. Significant elevations in serum TNF-α, coupled with a decrease in Gal-3 concentrations in the hippocampus of AD rats, were observed. Remarkably, quercetin treatment reversed hippocampal cytokine concentrations in STZ-treated rats. Quercetin at the doses of 25 and 100 mg/kg significantly increased serum Gal-3 concentrations compared to other groups. Conclusion: The antidepressant effects of quercetin may be linked to its capacity to reduce inflammation and increase Gal-3 levels. © 2024, Iranian Society of Pharmacognosy. All rights reserved.