<i>N</i>-Acetylcysteine-Capped TLQP21-Containing Au Nanocages Alleviate Depression in Mice.

ABSTRACT: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder globally. Promising therapies for MDD are urgently needed due to the limited effectiveness, delayed efficacy, and non-negligible side effects of current treatments. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation have been recognized as key contributors to MDD. Here, we developed an antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-capped Au nanocage (TNNC) that entrapped VGF-derived peptide TLQP21 with neuro-immunomodulatory effects. Once internalized by cells suffering from oxidative stress, NAC was consumed, and TLQP21 was released from TNNC. TNNC administration alleviated MDD-like behaviors of the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-exposed mice and effectively relieved oxidative stress in the brains. Moreover, TLQP21

SUBMITTER: Shi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12574220 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature