Article: Nicotinamide Riboside Protects Against Alcohol-Induced Depression via the Gut-Brain Axis: Preclinical Findings

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Depression Digestive/Gut Health Neurological Health Preclinical Psychological Health

Nicotinamide Riboside Protects Against Alcohol-Induced Depression via the Gut-Brain Axis: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

The gut microbiome influences brain health and mood, and nicotinamide riboside (NR) has shown neuroprotective effects. This study tested whether NR could prevent alcohol-induced depression in mice. NR improved depressive behaviors, reduced inflammation in the brain, decreased activated microglia, and increased BDNF, a protein important for brain health. NR also restored the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Analysis of gut bacteria revealed that alcohol disrupted the microbiome, while NR partially restored its composition. Transplanting gut microbiota confirmed that these changes were linked to brain inflammation, BDNF levels, and behavior. Overall, NR supplementation protects against alcohol-induced depression, likely by influencing the gut-brain axis.

Journal

Food & Function

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