Coreopsis Tinctoria Nutt. Polyphenols Protect Intestinal Barrier in Depressed Mice by Modulating TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Depression is linked to gut dysfunction.
• Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) is a model for inducing depression and gut issues in mice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. polyphenolic (CTNP) extract against intestinal barrier damage in a CUMS-induced mouse model of depression.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of CTNP's action.

Main Methods:

• Mice were subjected to CUMS to induce depression and gut dysfunction.
• CTNP extract was administered to assess its effects on behavior and intestinal integrity.
• Levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), diamine oxidase (DAO), and tight junction proteins (Occludin, ZO-1, MUC2) were measured.
• Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) and the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathway were analyzed in colon tissue.

Main Results:

• CTNP alleviated depressive-like behaviors in CUMS mice.
• CTNP enhanced intestinal integrity, indicated by reduced serum LPS and DAO levels.
• CTNP increased the expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin, ZO-1, MUC2).
• CTNP reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the colon, potentially via inhibition of the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathway.

Conclusions:

• CTNP extract demonstrates protective effects against depression-induced intestinal injury.
• CTNP may exert its benefits by strengthening the intestinal barrier and reducing inflammation through the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathway.
• These findings offer theoretical insights and practical implications for managing depression-related gut dysfunction.