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

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.

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