Xin Shan, J. Chen, S. Dai
Jun 20, 2020
Citations
0
Influential Citations
18
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyanidin (CY) is one of the most abundant anthocyanidins found in red-purple diet sources such as grapes, blueberries and purple corns. CY has been proven to exhibit a wide range of biological functions including antioxidant, antiviral, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. PURPOSE This study investigated the anti-depressive activity of CY and its related mechanism. METHODS In the behavioral tests, CY-related effects on depressive symptoms were evaluated. Then the changes in PI3K/AKT/FOXG1/FGF-2 signaling and adult neurogenesis including doublecortin (DCX+) cell number, dendritic length, secondary and third dendrites number in the hippocampus were investigated by Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. PI3K antagonist LY 294,002 was used to verify the unique impact of PI3K/AKT/FoxG1/FGF-2 signaling on CY-related antidepressant efficacy. RESULTS CY grossly reversed CUMS-induced behavioral defects, The DCX+ cell number and protein levels increased in CUMS mice receiving CY administration. LY 294,002 successfully blocked CY-induced improvements in depressive behaviors, neurogenesis, and protein levels in CUMS mice. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrated that CY was efficacious in alleviating depression-like symptoms, which was dependent on PI3K/AKT/FoxG1/FGF-2 signaling-modulated neurogenesis enhancement.