Alterations of circulating exosomal microRNAs in an LPS-induced depression model of male mice: Potential role in the anti-depressive effects of acupuncture

Abstract

Depression is a prevalent psychological disorder frequently associated with neuroinflammation, and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in its pathogenesis. Acupuncture, widely used in East Asia, has shown efficacy in various neuropsychiatric conditions; however, its miRNA-related mechanisms remain unclear. Using an LPS-induced depression model, we examined acupuncture's effects on depression-like behaviors and circulating exosomal miRNAs in serum. Microarray data revealed multiple miRNAs significantly altered by LPS or acupuncture, and subsequent bioinformatics analyses (TargetScan, KEGG, and Gene Ontology) identified pathways related to neuroinflammation, synaptic signaling, and circadian regulation. Constructing a miRNA–target gene network further suggested that acupuncture might modulate miRNA expression to alleviate depressive symptoms. These findings not only support the therapeutic potential of acupuncture but also propose candidate exosomal miRNAs as novel biomarkers or diagnostic tools for the LPS-induced depression model. Overall, this study provides insights into the anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture in depression through miRNA-mediated gene regulation.