Saikosaponin A Ameliorates Inflammatory Response by Modulating P38MAPK Pathway in Rats with Depression and Myocardial Ischemia

Accumulating studies have shown that a traditional Chinese decoction Chaihu-Shugan-San produces antidepressant-like and cardiac protection effects in rodents, including perimenopausal rodents. This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of saikosaponin A in SD rats with depression and myocardial ischemia (DMI). The body weight gain, exploration time at the center, sucrose consumed, forced swim time, ejection fraction, and short axis shortening rate were evaluated after the administration of saikosaponin A for 21 days. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the serum were detected for the evaluation of neuroinflammation. The P38MAPK mRNA levels were studied using the Easy-Blue (TM) Total RNA Extraction Kit. Further, P38MAPK levels and phosphorylation was also determined. Significant effects were observed with saikosaponin A on the depressive behavior, in a dosage-dependent manner. Moreover, saikosaponin A reduced the levels of inflammatory factors in rats with depression and myocardial ischemia. In addition, saikosaponin A attenuated the remission of inflammation by the P38MAPK pathway. This study demonstrates that saikosaponin A may have therapeutic effects as a potential antidepressant and cardiac protection drug.