Sugarcane Polyphenols Improve Depressive-like Behavior in CUMS Mice by Promoting the MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Pyroptosis

Foods 2026 Open access

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Authors: Xue Wang, Jiapeng Song, Zhongmei He, Li J, Yan Hong Zhao, Ying Zong, Jianan Geng, Jia Zhou, Jun Koo Yi, Weijia Chen, Rui Du
DOI: 10.3390/foods15132322
Cited by: 1
References: 61

Abstract

Sugarcane polyphenols (SP) are investigated for their antidepressant potential using a CUMS-induced mouse model and a corticosterone-induced neuronal injury cell model. Results demonstrate that SP alleviates depressive-like behaviors, inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis, and reduces neuroinflammation. Mechanistically, SP activates the MAPK/ERK pathway, which in turn suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis; this effect is attenuated by the MAPK/ERK inhibitor PD98059. Furthermore, SP synergizes with the caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765 to inhibit pyroptosis.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Inflammasome and immune disorders Tryptophan and brain disorders Medicinal Plant Extracts Effects

Publication details

Journal / source
Foods
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
15
Issue
13
Pages
2322–2322
Publication date
30 June 2026
Language
EN