The Effects of Methylated Flavonoids on Depression-Like Activity and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Thresholds in Mice Induced by Repeated Finasteride Administration
January 2021
in “
European Journal of Inflammation
”
TLDR Methylated flavonoids may effectively reduce depression and inflammation caused by finasteride.
The study investigated the effects of naringenin (NGN) and its methylated derivatives on depression-like behavior and inflammation in 168 male mice induced by finasteride. Finasteride increased immobility in behavioral tests and elevated brain levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Treatment with NGN or its derivatives (50 or 100 mg/kg) reduced immobility, restored sucrose preference, and normalized cytokine levels, similar to duloxetine (10 mg/kg). Additionally, NGN and its derivatives improved antioxidant levels, indicating their potential as safe and effective anti-depressive agents. The findings suggested that methylated flavonoids could enhance therapeutic effects by improving metabolic stability and bioavailability.