Sažetak
Psychosocial stressors such as global insecurity, violence, and joblessness increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Diets rich in fruits with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds may protect the brain against psychosocial stress. In this study, the ameliorative potential of Spondias Mombin Fruit Juice (SMFJ) on repeated social defeat stress (RSD)-induced anxio-depressive-like behaviours and biochemical perturbations in mice was evaluated. Male Swiss mice weighing (20-24g) were divided into five groups (n=6). Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (SMFJ 100%), Group 3 (RSD only), Group 4 (SMFJ 50%+RSD), and Group 5 (SMFJ 100%+RSD). Distilled water or SMFJ was administered orally for 28 days. Beginning from day 8, mice in groups 3-5 were exposed to RSD for 5 min each of physical and psychosocial aggressive confrontations in a resident-intruder paradigm. Anxiodepressive-like behaviours were assessed 24 h after last RSD exposure. Corticosterone, oxidative stress markers, acetylcholinesterase, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were determined in serum or brain tissues. The SMFJ (50% and 100%) significantly reduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors post-RSD (P < 0.05), with a corresponding decrease in serum corticosterone levels. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, nitrite) were reduced, while antioxidant (reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) levels improved. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05), indicating anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
Together, these findings suggest that Spondias mombin fruit juice ameliorates and prevents stress-induced behavioural and biochemical disruptions, likely via its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.