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A Chronic Immobilization Stress Protocol for Inducing Depression-Like Behavior in Mice
Published on: May 15, 2019
Sugarcane Polyphenols Improve Depressive-like Behavior in CUMS Mice by Promoting the MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway and
Xue Wang1, Jiapeng Song1, Zhongmei He1,2,3
1College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Sugarcane polyphenols show antidepressant potential by reducing depressive behaviors and neuroinflammation. They work by activating the MAPK/ERK pathway to suppress harmful cell pyroptosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Depression is a prevalent mood disorder with complex pathophysiology.
- Neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation are key contributors to depression.
- Novel therapeutic targets are needed for effective depression treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antidepressant potential of sugarcane polyphenols (SP).
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of SP's effects.
- To evaluate SP in preclinical models of depression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model for depressive-like behaviors.
- Employed a corticosterone-induced neuronal injury cell model.
- Assessed neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and the MAPK/ERK and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways.
Main Results:
- Sugarcane polyphenols alleviated depressive-like behaviors in mice.
- SP inhibited hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and reduced neuroinflammation.
- SP activated the MAPK/ERK pathway, suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, an effect reversible with PD98059.
Conclusions:
- Sugarcane polyphenols possess significant antidepressant properties.
- SP exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating the MAPK/ERK and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways.
- SP represents a promising natural compound for depression management.
