Suanzao Ren Decoction can alleviate anxiety behaviour in rats under chronic unpredictable stress by improving cognitive dysfunction and reducing oxidative stress and autophagy.
In the study, a rat model of anxiety was created using chronic unpredictable stress. To assess the rats' anxiety state, the researchers utilized the open field test and an elevated cross maze. The cognitive function of the rats was evaluated using the Morris water maze. Histopathological alterations of the hippocampus were studied using HE staining and the protein expression of 5-HTR, Parkin, and PINK1 in the hippocampus was analysed through Western blotting. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe mitochondrial autophagy in the hippocampus.
The results showed that treatment with Suanzao Ren Decoction considerably extended rat's spontaneous movement, increased open arm entry times, open arm retention rate and platform crossings, and reduced escape latency. It was noted that the significant improvement occurred in the pathological damage seen in the hippocampus's CA1 area. In addition, there was a noteworthy increase in the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH, 5-HT, and TPH-2 and a decrease in MDA levels. The treatment also produced a decrease in protein expressions of 5-HTR, Parkin, and PINK1 as well as reducing the number of autophagic lysosomes.
