Correlation between brain neurotransmitters and insulin sensitivity: Neuro-preservative role of resveratrol against high fat, high fructose-induced insulin resistance

Insulin resistance (IR) is a major public health problem that can lead to many dangerous medical disorders and earlymortality. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of resveratrol (RSV) to counteract the neuro-complicationsaccompanying high fat, high fructose (HFHF) diet experimentally induced-IR in rats. IR was induced by the ingestion ofHFHF diet for 70 days, 80 juvenile rats were used, and the treatments were given orally for the diet latest 10 days. Rats’general behavior was assessed by open field test (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST). On biochemical level; neurocomplications were assessed by measuring brain levels of monoamines and their metabolites as well as the levels of8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHDG), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced and oxidizedglutathione (GSH and GSSG) and nitric oxide (NOx). Oral RSV (20 and 40 mg/kg p.o) increased the activity ofthe rats in the OFT and decreased the immobility period in the FST in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, RSVreduced monoamines turnover, elevated GSH, and reduced GSSG, NOx, MDA, 8-OHDG, and TNF-α (p < 0.05).RSV exhibited neuro-protective activities against HFHF-induced IR, thus it can be recommended as a favorable dailydietary supplement for treating the neuronal side effects related to IR.

Combination of resveratrol and fluoxetine in an acute model of depression in mice: Prevention of oxidative DNA fragmentation and monoamines degradation.

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with diverse biological activities, including potent hepato-protective and antidepressant-like effects. Fluoxetine (FLX) is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs, however; it has recently been postulated to induce liver damage. The present study aimed to assess the benefits of combining half the conventional doses of RSV and FLX in an acute reserpine model of depression. Depression was induced in mice by a single i.p. reserpine injection. Oral administration of FLX (10 mg/kg), RSV (80 mg/kg) or their combination (FLX; 5 mg/kg and RSV; 40mg/kg) started one hour after reserpine injection and daily for the following two consecutive days. Behavioral tests were performed on the third day. Brain monoamines were assessed. Prevention of neurodegeneration and preservation potential of the DNA integrity were determined according to the brain nitric oxide and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine contents. Effect on oxidative stress in both brain and liver was evaluated. Results revealed that combining half the dose of FLX with RSV showed antidepressant activity that was comparable to the effect of using FLX alone and in conclusion; we recommend that further investigations should be conducted to assess the applicability of using combinations of RSV and FLX to treat depression.