Antioxidant-based interventions in animal models of depression: A systematic review of preclinical evidence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v15i5.51030Keywords:
Antioxidants, Reactive Oxygen Species, Stress Disorders, Depressive Disorder.Abstract
Evidence suggests that oxidative stress significantly contributes to the manifestation of depression-related behaviors in animal models. In the central nervous system, this condition triggers cellular damage by increasing the expression of reactive oxygen species and impairing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and the glutathione system. Moreover, the induction of oxidative stress through chronic mild stress or chronic administration of corticosterone (CORT) raises plasma CORT levels, resulting in hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This imbalance, particularly in regions such as the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum, promotes the expression of depressive-like behaviors in these animal models. In this context, antioxidant substances such as cannabidiol, resveratrol, and silymarin have been extensively investigated for their potential to reverse these behaviors. Therefore, this review aims to analyze the literature from the past 10 years regarding the relationship between oxidative stress and depressive-like behaviors in animal models, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidants in reversing these behaviors.
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