We explored the therapeutic benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (DPA) in treating depression, particularly in relation to exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to induce depression-like behaviors in the study, which highlighted the role of neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter deficiencies in this condition.
Through our analysis, we observed that DPA not only improved the effectiveness of exosomes but also significantly alleviated symptoms of depression. The therapy showed a remarkable ability to suppress the harmful activation of specific immune cells in the brain, known as M1 microglia, which are often linked to inflammation. Additionally, DPA helped restore levels of important neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine.
Furthermore, in laboratory tests, the exosomes treated with DPA demonstrated better protective effects against cell death and inflammation-induced damage. Mechanistically, this positive outcome was attributed to DPA’s ability to enhance the expression of a particular microRNA that plays a role in reducing inflammation pathways.
Overall, our findings suggest that DPA treatment combined with exosomes not only addresses neuroinflammation but also promotes overall brain health. This makes it a promising avenue for developing more effective depression treatments.