Formononetin mitigates neuroinflammation-induced depressive-like behaviors via metabolic remodeling of the gut microbiota
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Formononetin (FMNT), an isoflavone commonly found in medicinal and food-related plants, demonstrates promising therapeutic potential. In this study, FMNT treatment significantly improved depressive-like behaviors in rats, alleviated colonic tissue damage, and suppressed the release of peripheral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory factors. It also enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1, claudin-6, and occludin). Microbiota analysis revealed that FMNT mitigated LPS-induced dysbiosis, reducing Proteobacteria levels and restoring the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio. At the genus level, FMNT increased the abundance of S24-7 and Lactobacillus while inhibiting Dorea. Moreover, FMNT modulated microbial metabolism by influencing pathways associated with lysine degradation, arginine biosynthesis, and steroid hormone biosynthesis, along with elevating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Collectively, this study underscores FMNT’s vital role in ameliorating depressive-like symptoms triggered by neuroinflammation, primarily through the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and the rebalancing of the gut microbiota.
Source: Food Science and Human Wellness
Authors: Wenzhi Hao, Lu Wang, Yalin Li, Yingren Zhang, Weidong Pan, Xiang Luo, Xiaoxu Zhu, Yali Huang, Nanbo Wang, Li Yan, Junqing Huang, Jiaxu Chen
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408768413