Abstract
BackgroundDepression is characterized by significant and low mood. Classical antidepressants are still not adequate in treating depression because of undesirable side effects. Folic acid, a member of the vitamin B complex, in considered to be strongly associated with the function and development of the central nervous system. Thus, in this study, we established a model of depression through chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in rats and assessed the antidepressant effects and mechanisms of folic acid.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), CUMS treated with folic acid, and CUMS treated with citalopram. Rats were assessed in terms of weight change, open-field test and sucrose preference. Homocysteine, monoamine neurotransmitters, interleukin-6, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), β-endorphin levels in the serum and brains of rats were analysed.ResultsFolic acid exhibited antidepressant-like effects in open-field and sucrose preference tests. Folic acid treatment effectively increased the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, BDNF and β-endorphin, interleukin-6 and homocysteine levels were also significantly suppressed by folic acid administration.ConclusionsThese findings serve as preclinical evidence that folic acid plays an antidepressant-like role in several pathways involving monoamine neurotransmitters. Thus, folic acid may be used as a potential antidepressant.
Highlights
Depression is characterized by significant and low mood
folic acid (FA) increased serum folate and reduced serum homocysteine After 6 weeks of FA treatment in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats, a significant increase in serum folate and a reduction in serum HCY were observed in CUMS + FA group, compared to CUMS group (P < 0.05, Fig. 2a, b, Additional file 1)
Effects of FA on body weight increment CUMS rats had a significantly reduced body weight increase compared to the control group (P < 0.05)
Summary
Depression is characterized by significant and low mood. Classical antidepressants are still not adequate in treating depression because of undesirable side effects. In this study, we established a model of depression through chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in rats and assessed the antidepressant effects and mechanisms of folic acid. The lifetime risk of depression is about 15–18%, meaning almost 1 in 5 people will experience a depressive episode at some point in their lifetime [2] Among those diagnosed, many fail to achieve remission after following recommended antidepressant medication regimes and psychosocial therapies [3]. Depressed patients with low levels of folate have a lower likelihood of responding to antidepressant treatment, a greater likelihood of relapse and worse cognitive performance [5]. Another metaanalysis supports the relationship between low folate status and depression [6]
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