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 ”

Bin She, Huajin Wu, Qin Xie, Mingjuan Zhang, Nan Zhou, Deyu Pei, Zheming Tu

finasteride naringenin methylated flavonoids pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β TNF-α duloxetine antioxidant levels Propecia NGN Cymbalta

Studysummary In this study, naringenin and its methylated derivatives reduced depression-like behaviors and inflammation markers in mice exposed to finasteride, suggesting their potential as effective and safe anti-depressive agents.

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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.

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