Document Type : Original paper

Authors

1 Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.

2 Clinical Immunology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.

3 Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.

4 Pregnancy Health Research Center, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.

5 Occupational Sleep Research Center, Baharloo Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

6 Department of Basic Sciences, Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan University of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran.

10.22127/rjp.2024.423133.2263

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.

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