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. 2024 Jun;202(6):2630-2644.
doi: 10.1007/s12011-023-03849-z. Epub 2023 Sep 15.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin-Conjugated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Reserpine-Induced Depression in Wistar Rats

Heba M Fahmy  1 , Fatmaalzahraa A Aboalasaad  2 , Ayman S Mohamed  3 , Fathi A Elhusseiny  2 , Yasser A Khadrawy  4 , Ahmed Elmekawy  5
Affiliations

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin-Conjugated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Reserpine-Induced Depression in Wistar Rats

Heba M Fahmy et al. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Depression, a devastating brain illness, necessitates the exploration of novel antidepressant treatments. We evaluated the antidepressant effects of free curcumin, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and curcumin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn(cur)O NPs). The nanoformulations were extensively characterized using advanced techniques. An acute toxicity study ensured the safety of Zn(cur)O NPs. Rats were assigned to one of five groups: control, reserpine-induced depression model, treatment with ZnO NPs, free curcumin, or Zn(cur)O NPs. Behavioral assessments (forced swimming test [FST] and open-field test [OFT]) and neurochemical analyses were conducted. Zn(cur)O NPs exhibited superior efficacy in ameliorating reserpine-induced behavioral and neurochemical effects compared to free curcumin and ZnO NPs. The reserpine-induced model displayed reduced motor activity, swimming time, and increased immobility time in the FST and OFT. Treatment with Zn(cur)O NPs 45 mg/kg significantly improved motor activity and reduced immobility time. Furthermore, Zn(cur)O NPs decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while increasing reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels. Additionally, concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) increased. In conclusion, curcumin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles demonstrate potent antidepressant effects, alleviating depressive-like behavior in rats. These findings support Zn(cur)O NPs as a promising therapeutic strategy for depression management, warranting further investigation and clinical validation.

Keywords: Curcumin; Depression; Monoamines; Reserpine; Zinc oxide nanoparticles.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Open-field test
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Forced swimming test
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Scheme of experimental procedures for curcumin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles on depressed in Wistar rats
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
TEM micrographs of ZnO NPs with a mean diameter of 23.6 nm ± 1.46 (A) and Zn(cur)O with a mean diameter of 23.03 nm ± 5.2 (B)
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
SEM of Zn(cur)O NPs (A) and ZnO NPs (B)
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Dynamic light scattering of ZnO NPs and Zn(cur)O
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Zeta potential results of ZnO NPs and Zn(cur)O
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Effect of daily reserpine treatment (0.2 mg/kg) for 15 days on the open-field test (OFT). Different letters mean a significant difference between groups (at p-value < 0.05), and the same letters indicate non-significant changes
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Effect of free curcumin, ZnO NPs, and Zn(cur)O on the open-field test in a rat model of depression induced by reserpine. Different letters mean a significant difference between groups (at p-value < 0.05), and the same letters indicate non-significant changes
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Effect of daily reserpine treatment (0.2 mg/kg) for 15 days on forced swimming test (FST). Different letters mean a significant difference between groups (at p-value < 0.05), and the same letters indicate non-significant changes
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
Effect of free curcumin, ZnO NPs, and Zn(cur)O on the forced swimming test in a rat model of depression induced by reserpine. Different letters mean a significant difference between groups (at p-value < 0.05), and the same letters indicate non-significant changes
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