Nootkatone Improves Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors by Repressing NF-κB/NLRP3-Mediated Neuroinflammation

Objective: To explore the effect of nootkatone (NKT) on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive-like behaviors and the mechanism underlying NKT improving the depressive-like behaviors.

Methods: The CUMS-induced depression model was established in mice. Fifty mice were randomized into 5 groups (n=10) in accordance with a random number table: control group, CUMS group, CUMS + NKT (6 mg/kg) group, CUMS + NKT (12 mg/kg) group, and CUMS + ketamine group. From the 22th day, NKT (6 or 12 mg/kg) or ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) was given with intragastric administration every day for 21 days. Behavioral tests including forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), sucrose preference test (SPT) and open-field test (OFT) were carried out. The mRNA and protein expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in hippocampus were assessed using quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot analysis, and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NOD-like Receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway was analyzed using Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results: NKT treatment improved CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice (P<0.05 or P<0.01). NKT significantly decreased the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α in hippocampus of CUMS mice (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, NKT repressed CUMS-induced activation of NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome (P<0.01). More important, Nigericin, a NLRP3 Activator, destroyed the effect of NKT on repressing neuroinflammation and improving depressive-like behaviors (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

Conclusion: NKT ameliorates the depressive-like symptoms, in part by repressing NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation.

NOD-like receptor 3; depressive disorder; nootkatone; nuclear factor-κB; nuroinflammation.