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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
Published on: April 7, 2014
Cajanine protects against menopausal mood disorders and concomitant metabolic dysfunctions in ovariectomized mice via
Qizhi Yan1, Fan Wu2, Pengtao Xu1
1Department of Pharmacy, Shaoxing People's Hospital (The First Hospital of Shaoxing University), Shaoxing 312000, China.
Abstract:
Menopausal mood disorders (MMD) are common neuropsychiatric symptoms in postmenopausal women, often accompanied by metabolic dysfunctions. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of cajanine on MMD and its underlying mechanism, with its therapeutic potential for metabolic abnormalities and the relevant mechanism as an exploratory objective. Network pharmacology was used to predict the potential targets of cajanine in the treatment of MMD. Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) was identified as its most promising binding target, and Estrogen Response Element (ERE)-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the functional activation of ERβ by cajanine. Animal experiments showed that cajanine significantly alleviated depression and anxiety behaviors in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Biochemical analysis revealed that cajanine significantly upregulated ERβ expression and reversed the abnormal levels of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and Caspase-3 in the hippocampus and amygdala of OVX mice. The use of ERβ antagonist and agonist further confirmed that cajanine exerts its beneficial effects on mood disorders by suppressing neuroinflammation and regulating apoptotic pathways in an ERβ-dependent manner. Exploratory analysis revealed that cajanine also alleviated weight gain and metabolism abnormalities in OVX mice. The ameliorative effects of cajanine on weight change and metabolism abnormalities were associated with the regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in liver and adipose tissues, which was also mediated by ERβ. In conclusion, cajanine exerts estrogen-like activity via ERβ to exert a multi-target therapeutic effect, thereby treating MMD and its coexisting metabolic abnormalities.
Insights
Cajanine effectively treats menopausal mood disorders and metabolic issues by mimicking estrogen
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
Background:
- Menopausal mood disorders (MMD) are prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms in postmenopausal women.
- These mood disturbances often coexist with metabolic dysfunctions, presenting a complex health challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of cajanine on MMD.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of cajanine's action, including its impact on metabolic abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Network pharmacology identified Estrogen Receptor beta (ERβ) as a key target of cajanine.
- Estrogen Response Element (ERE)-luciferase reporter assays confirmed ERβ activation.
- Ovariectomized (OVX) mouse models were used to assess behavioral, biochemical, and metabolic changes.
Main Results:
- Cajanine significantly alleviated depression and anxiety behaviors in OVX mice.
- It upregulated ERβ expression and modulated key proteins (NF-κB, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3) in the hippocampus and amygdala.
- Cajanine also improved weight gain and metabolic abnormalities by regulating PPARα and PPARγ, mediated by ERβ.
Conclusions:
- Cajanine demonstrates estrogen-like activity via ERβ, offering a multi-target therapeutic approach.
- It effectively treats MMD by suppressing neuroinflammation and regulating apoptosis.
- Cajanine also addresses associated metabolic abnormalities, highlighting its potential for comprehensive menopausal symptom management.
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