Curcumin evokes antidepressant-like effects in mice by regulating miR-124/brain derived neurotrophic factor

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect and mechanism of curcumin on depression in mice Methods: Mice were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and behavioural changes were evaluated by sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST). CUMS-treated mice received curcumin at a concentration of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg. The level of MiR-124 was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were evaluated by western blotting. Results: CUMS induced depressive behaviour in mice, with increase in miR-124 and decrease in BDNF. Curcumin inhibited miR-124 expression and promoted BDNF in a dose-dependent manner in CUMS-treated mice. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor was the direct target of miR-124, decreasing the transcription of BDNF, but this was reversed by curcumin in vitro. MicroRNA-124 overexpression aggravated CUMS-induced depressive symptoms including loss of appetite, less sucrose consumption, shorter swimming time, and longer immobility time (p < 0.001). The effects were attenuated by curcumin. Conclusion: Curcumin alleviates CUMS-induced depressive behaviour by regulating miR-124/BDNF, suggesting that curcumin may a viable treatment option for depression.