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Curcumin ZnO and MgO Nanoparticles Confer Protective Effects Against Ketamine-Induced Bipolar Disorder in Mice: Role
Mahsa Salehirad1, Fatemehsadat Mobinhosseini1, A Wallace Hayes2,3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Tehran Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Bipolar disorder (BD), or bipolar disease, is a prevalent psychiatric condition. Current treatment options are often ineffective, with numerous side effects. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be a potential biomarker for BD.
Materials And Methods:
Synthesized curcumin-conjugated ZnO nanoparticles (Cur-ZnO NPs) and curcumin-conjugated MgO nanoparticles (Cur-MgO NPs) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, field emission scanning electron microscopy, (energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. Behavioral changes in an open field test and the level of hippocampal BDNF were evaluated in a ketamine-induced manic-depressive-like behavior mouse model. Mice were treated intraperitoneal daily for 14 days. Control mice received saline; positive control mice received 25 mg/kg ketamine. Lithium (45 mg/kg), 5 mg/kg magnesium oxide (MgO), 5 mg/kg zinc oxide (ZnO), or 40 mg/kg curcumin was administrated in separates groups simultaneously with ketamine (25 mg/kg). Mice in the treatment group were given ketamine (25 mg/kg) plus Cur-MgO NPs or Cur-ZnO NPs (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg).
Results:
Both nanoparticles were chemically characterized. Both nanoparticles increased central square entries, time spent in the center zone, the rearing frequency, and ambulation distance in the ketamine-treated mice in the OFT. The hippocampal BDNF levels were also increased compared to the ketamine-treated mice.
Conclusion:
Cur-ZnO NPs and Cur-MgO NPs may be potential candidates for treating manic-depressive-like disorders.

