Nrf2 activation rescues stress-induced depression-like behaviour and inflammatory responses in male but not female rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a recurring affective disorder that is two times more prevalent in females than males. Evidence supports immune system dysfunction as a major contributing factor to MDD, notably in a sexually dimorphic manner. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a regulator of antioxidant signalling during inflammation, is dysregulated in many chronic inflammatory disorders; however, its role in depression and the associated sex differences have yet to be explored. Here, we investigated the sex-specific antidepressant and immunomodulatory effects of the potent Nrf2 activator dimethyl fumarate (DMF), as well as the associated gene expression profiles.

Methods

Male and female rats were treated with vehicle or DMF (25 mg/kg) whilst s

SUBMITTER: McCallum RT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10863247 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature